Queen to head WWII 60th anniversary commemorations
Her Majesty the Queen will lead a series of commemorative events across the UK next summer to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
The Ministry of Defence today unveiled its programme of events, which will begin on July 10 2005 with a service of thanksgiving and commemoration in Westminster Abbey.
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will host a Veterans’ lunch in the grounds of Buckingham Palace following the service, and in the afternoon “an event of reminiscence and remembrance” will take place on Horse Guards Parade.
The date for commemorations was selected because it is roughly mid-way between VE day and VJ day in May and August respectively.
Veterans Minister Ivor Caplin said: “We have put together a range of events that will enable veterans and younger generations to remember the Second World War and the resolute spirit of those who coped so admirably with incredible hardship at home and overseas.”
The MoD is planning simultaneous events in Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast along with other towns and cities.
The first Verterans’ Awareness Week will precede the commemorations, and the Queen will unveil a monument to the women who served during the war in Whitehall on Saturday July 9.
The MoD has set up a dedicated 60th Anniversary website (www.mod.uk/ww2) which will provide veterans with information about events being organised around the country.
