The Isle of Man will join the United Kingdom in observing a two-minute silence at 11am on Friday 8 May 2020 to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
This will be an opportunity to remember the immense sacrifices made both on the battlefield and at home that led to victory over Nazi forces in Europe in 1945.
The Isle of Man Government’s plans to commemorate the anniversary have been adjusted in light of the COVID-19 pandemic but, in addition to the two-minute silence, will include the following:
- The Chief Minister will deliver a statement of commemoration on behalf of the Government and people of the Isle of Man
- A bugler and a piper will play ‘The Last Post’, ‘Battle’s O’er’ and ‘VE Day 75’ from the summit of Snaefell. The same pieces will be performed at the highest peaks in the UK and hundreds of other locations around the world
- The Isle of Man has issued a commemorative set of 50p coins and a Gold Sovereign
- Manx National Heritage, Culture Vannin and the Department of Education, Sport and Culture have teamed up to offer a range of ways to mark the anniversary while staying at home, as well as educational resources about VE Day for children to learn about from home
