VE Day – 80th Anniversary
A two-minute national silence will be held on Thursday 8th May at 12 noon (UK time),
to remember and thank those who fought for our freedom.
St. Winwaloe’s Church is joining churches all over the country to commemorate VE Day on Thursday 8th May. Our bell team will be ringing out in celebration at 6.30pm – just as church bells rang in 1945 to signal the end of the conflict.
Listen out on Thursday in East Portlemouth, or wherever you are in the country, and say a quiet prayer of thanksgiving – you might find one of these helpful:-
For those who served and died in the Second World War
O God of truth and justice,
we hold before you those men and women
who have died in active service, particularly in the Second World War,
whose sacrifice brought Victory in Europe.
As we honour their courage and cherish their memory,
may we put our faith in your future;
for you are the source of life and hope,
now and for ever.
Amen.
For those who serve today
O Lord God of Hosts,
stretch forth, we pray, your almighty arm
to strengthen and protect our service men and women.
Support them in times of conflict,
and in their rest and training keep them safe from all evil;
endue them with courage and loyalty;
and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
For the peace of the world
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.