Name: VE Day
Uploaded: 2020-02-24T15:33:43.000Z
Duration: 79 s
Description: VE Day

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The city and country was united in joy. Many Sheffielders we have spoken to about that day say the memories still bring tears to their eyes. Today, we pause with respect and honour to remember the huge sacrifices made in World War II. We think of those who didn’t make it beyond their terribly young years and all the lives that were changed by those events. As we do, we are reminded of our own very different challenges of 2020 and effort that still lies ahead.

Who better to channel positivity and give us renewed hope – now and then – than Dame Vera Lynn with these words: “All around the world, people are facing extremely difficult times. It is likely that we will all have to make hard decisions in the coming months. I am reminded of World War II, when our country faced the darkest of times and yet, despite our struggles, pulled together for the common good and we faced the common threat together as a country, and as a community of countries that joined as one right across the world.

“In light of the challenges we now face, it is time for us all to rediscover that same spirit that saw us through the war. By keeping calm, looking after each other, and following the Government’s latest guidance, we can overcome the threat of Coronavirus just as we have overcome so many other challenges before.

Undated handout photo issued by Decca of Vera Lynn who has said the nation must "remember the brave boys and what they sacrificed for us" ahead of the 75th anniversary of VE Day. PA Photo. Issue date: Thursday May 7, 2020. The Forces Sweetheart, who paid morale-boosting visits to the front line during the Second World War, said she hopes this year's celebrations "remind us all that hope remains even in the most difficult times". See PA story SHOWBIZ Lynn. Photo credit should read: Decca/PA Wire

NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. — Undated handout photo issued by Decca of Vera Lynn who has said the nation must "remember the brave boys and what they sacrificed for us" ahead of the 75th anniversary of VE Day. PA Photo. Issue date: Thursday May 7, 2020. The Forces Sweetheart, who paid morale-boosting visits to the front line during the Second World War, said she hopes this year's celebrations "remind us all that hope remains even in the most difficult times". See PA story SHOWBIZ Lynn. Photo credit should read: Decca/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.

“I am sure many people, especially the elderly, are worried about what the future may hold. I encourage you all to keep smiling through.”

The Star has been was there through both wars and is here today to share the news that is important to you and to lift people’s spirits by amplifying the positivity that is already out there.

As we near the milestone of 50 days of lockdown, it seems strangely fitting that we should be celebrating VE Day.

Sheffield will have another day of celebration soon and The Star team will be there to share it with you when it does - so that 75 years from now we can remind ourselves once again that difficult times always come to an end. Those who lived through the war trusted that something better would follow. Now we must do the same.

Letter from the editor: Our city unites again in trust that better days always follow