Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

What fresh hell is this? National VE day

842 replies

wetpants · 03/05/2020 10:07

This has popped up on my local FB page, villagers are all up for it too. Apparently it’s a nationwide incentive??

The thing is, most front gardens are tiny or non existent here. There’s no way you could be 2m away from your next door. Also these villagers who are up for this are the same people who few weeks ago cried about a lone bloke sitting on a crass verge, well away from any pedestrians. How is this any different?

I’m not British (have lived here a long time though) so maybe I’m just not getting the fervent VE day misty eyeness Confused

And don’t get me started on 9pm nationwide singalong Shock WHO comes up with these things???

What fresh hell is this? National VE day
OP posts:
rwalker · 03/05/2020 12:01

Not for me but if people want to absolutely why not.

MrsDrudge · 03/05/2020 12:01

A bit of an assumption that everyone has a front garden where they can have tea/cake. Other than that I find it all a bit forced and cringeworthy. But I am an old misery.
If it’s your thing, enjoy it.

1forsorrow · 03/05/2020 12:02

It’s for us older types who you sneer at for voting Brexit. If you trendy younger types don’t want to celebrate your freedom to do whatever you like then maybe you don’t deserve it Some of us older types voted Remain and don't want to celebrate war.

I've never understood the VE thing, what about the men who were in Burma, the Pacific, in Japanese POW camps? Maybe celebrating was just a bit premature?

My father was on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific, he was happy his family at home were safe but there were no celebrations for him. Even when his ship docked in Australia and they got their first shore leave since VE day their celebrations were cut short by the MPs who arrested them. So no I will remember my father and his brother who were far from home on VE day, still fighting.

RandomUser3049 · 03/05/2020 12:02

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

1forsorrow · 03/05/2020 12:03

I didn't join in 25 years ago, went abroad to avoid it.

Peregrina · 03/05/2020 12:03

I don't remember much happening for the 50th either, although they did change the BH date then. I remember absolutely nothing about the 25th Anniversary, which would have been a time when many of those who were actively involved were middle aged adults, so memories of the war would have been very much alive in the general population. Now, no one under 92 can have fought during the war, so the public memory has almost gone.

EricaNernie · 03/05/2020 12:03

My DM remembers it, it is a big deal for that generation.

Pinkginhelps · 03/05/2020 12:03

Relentless posts about this on my local Faceache group from the village bossy boots.
Yeuch....
I will reflect quietly and with dignity having seen the horror and destruction of war at first hand.

Roussette · 03/05/2020 12:03

Let's all make a date in our diaries for a month's time because betcha there will be a spike in deaths because of this stupid idea. As if everyone is going to sit directly outside their houses and not mix.

Raccoon2020vision · 03/05/2020 12:03

I am British but don't do, and never have done, Jingoism or Royalist obedience on tap. I live with a "colonial" as they keep being called by some of the people they look after. Said colonial has a much posher (RP) accent than I do so said people being cared for often don't realise colonial is "furrin". People being cared for often backtrack from any racist opinions they've made in the previous part of the conversation once they realise....

I was very cross that the traditional May day was moved this year anyway for all kinds of reasons. So don't think this household will be taking part somehow. But if it helps some people in lockdown have something to look forward to in order to help get them through another day then I hope they enjoy it.

Alsohuman · 03/05/2020 12:06

Also failing to remember anything massive happening 25 years ago for the 50th

It did. I was working in local government at the time and was responsible for organising most of it. It was the only thing I worked on for weeks and it ran me ragged.

Roussette · 03/05/2020 12:06

Those praying for rain, you’re as bloody bad as those marching neighbours from their houses by gunpoint to force them to celebrate! Just let people enjoy themselves for two minutes, the bulldog spirit is alive and kicking in many of us!

If it was two minutes, that's fine! It isn't. It's all day. And TBH as I said above, there will be a spike in deaths in a months time I bet as a result of all of this. Stupid stupid idea in the middle of a pandemic

EricaNernie · 03/05/2020 12:06

Victory in Europe,
So france, Italy may well also celebrate. and America
Germany celebrate apparently the end of fascism also
it is poignant currently since we are living in very troubled times, the most troubling for 75 years

Whataloadofshite · 03/05/2020 12:07

C R I N G E

doughnuthole · 03/05/2020 12:08

First sorry op I know it's a typo but from your first post crass verge made me lol - I think everything I say about this situation is verging on crass. I think the VE Day celebrations are being ramped up to give us all something to do. I mean I knew it was a Bank Holiday and school holiday already but everyone's been home for whole lockdown so no change there, except DH won't be glued to his phone & laptop. If we can pick just one thing I'll take the scones thanks. DD2 has them down to a fine art with all the baking she's been doing.

Peregrina · 03/05/2020 12:09

The only street parties I can remember have all been to do with Royal events - The Coronation - which was held in a marquee because it rained, but in our case was put on by our church, and some of the Queen's jubilee years.

MLMsuperfan · 03/05/2020 12:10

Such unbelievable cringe. Way worse somehow than the NHS clapping thing.

EricaNernie · 03/05/2020 12:10

Not everyone has been at home for lockdown, dont be so ignorant @doughnuthole

katienana · 03/05/2020 12:10

I'm planning on theming next weeks school activities on WW2. might do the minute silence at 11am and we will be having a tea party in the garden.
I remember celebrating the 50th anniversary when I was in Y6. My grandad fought in ww2 and grandmothers both involved in war effort so I want to honour them

Rosehip10 · 03/05/2020 12:11

All this talk of shit like "bulldog spirit" - which for many read as proxy for gobbling scones and getting pissed, which is fine, but this "daily mail" view of Britain and "Britishness" is corrosive.

EricaNernie · 03/05/2020 12:11
Blush apology @doughnuthole, you may of course be talking about your household not going to work.
EricaNernie · 03/05/2020 12:12

how on earth is this cringe?
let people have memories, you dont have to take part

ChardonnaysPetDragon · 03/05/2020 12:13

I don't see it as nationalistic.

It celebrates VE Day, and undoubtedly there would have been celebrations across Europe, had it not been for COVID19.

Last year, many towns in Normandy had displays of the Allies flags, next to the French, British as well.

Pieceofpurplesky · 03/05/2020 12:14

We will be having afternoon tea in the garden with lots of Pimms and my parents will be reminiscing about their childhoods during the war and talking about family and friends that they lost. Kids will love hearing their stories and we will have a wonderful day.
They don't dwell on it daily, to those who say we should forget it and move on, they enjoy a time to remember and reflect. My grandad went over the top in the Somme at 15 and fought in WW2.
If it's not for you don't celebrate but don't knock those who do. For some it's important to keep the memories alive

EricaNernie · 03/05/2020 12:15

we didnt beat the Germans though, we beat the nazis and fascists, dont forget

Swipe left for the next trending thread