I don't mean to be a party pooper, but I cannot celebrate today, when tens of millions of people died as a result of WWII. I will remember those who died fighting and those who died at home. Those who didn't want war but only wanted to live their lives, go to work, raise their families, enjoy the company of friends - and who had that taken away from them.
As a mother of sons I am thankful - every day!- that we live in peaceful times and they don't have to go and fight some senseless war.
Most of my generation grew up in homes where the memories and trauma of two world wars were present and tangible in lots of ways. There was underlying fear that another war might happen, but also hope that it wouldn't. I learned not to take peace for granted: to be prepared for the worst and grateful for every year that went by without another conflict. And I learned to challenge those in power because we were taught at school what might happen if a nation unquestioningly trusted or followed their leaders instead of holding them to account.
So I won't be baking colourful cupcakes, putting up bunting or joining in the singalongs. I need a day of quiet contemplation and gratitude: for democracy and free speech, for peace and prosperity.
AIBU?