St Peter's Parish News
Thursday 1 January 1970
VE Day 80th Anniversary
Last Thursday it was the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, 8 May 1945, marking the end of WWII in Europe. Berkhamsted joined with commemorations taking place across Europe, marking the event with thanksgiving. At 6:30pm, the bells of St Peter’s joined with churches and cathedrals across the United Kingdom, ringing out in celebration. Our bellringers were delighted to be joined by Mike Hart, who rang at the 50th anniversary in 1995, and all repaired afterwards to the Court House for VE Day Tea.
The people gathered at at sundown by the War Memorial in Rectory Lane Cemetery for an Act of Remembrance led by Fr Stuart, with representatives of the Town Council, the Royal British Legion, the Scouts, and the South Bucks Jewish Community. Joining with communities across the country, the Town Beacon was lit, and Berkhamsted gave thanks. Photographs of the commemorations are available on our website at the link below, including a photo of our bellringers who rang on VE Day in 1945!
It is a time to remember with deep gratitude the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. In an increasingly dangerous world, we offer prayers for peace. As we honour the past, so we renew our commitment to building a more peaceful and just world for all.
+Hugh Nelson, Bishop to the Armed Forces
O God, who would fold both heaven and earth
in a single peace;
that the design of your great love lighten
upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows
and give peace to your church, peace among nations,
peace in our dwellings and peace in our hearts;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk 
