Flag-Raising Ceremony For VE Day Anniversary

A flag-raising ceremony has taken place in Market Harborough town centre to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Members of the Royal British Legion and service organisations were joined by dignitaries and school children at the event on Church Square, as a special flag was raised on top of the Symington Building.

Meadowdale Primary School pupils sang a song at the event

The anniversary marks the sacrifices of service personnel – 80 years on from the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic Academy and Meadowdale Primary School were at the event organised by Harborough District Council, with the children from Meadowdale performing an apt song:

The flag-raising event took place on Church Square

There was a good turnout from members of the public at the event and Stewart Harrison, chairman of the Royal British Legion in Market Harborough, spoke to HFM:

RAF veteran John Timms talking to HFM’s Nick Shaw about his VE Day memories

89-year-old Royal Air Force veteran John Timms was at the event and recalls how he celebrated VE Day in Wigston when he was aged 9:

The flag-raising event took place on Church Square

Royal Navy veteran Jane Timms was at the event and told HFM today is very special for her:

Pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic Academy at the event

The VE 80 flag on the Symington Building

Events in Market Harborough for the VE Day anniversary will continue this evening with a commemorative service of thanksgiving at St Dionysius Church at 7.30pm, followed by the Act of Remembrance and wreath-laying ceremony beside the War Memorial on The Square at 8.30pm.