Proud Brentwood CCF cadets are joining forces with people from across the nation to commemorate VE Day 75, marking 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe.
Due to the ongoing Coronavirus crisis, many of the events planned to mark Victory in Europe Day have had to be cancelled or postponed, however, members of the School’s Combined Cadet Force are supporting local initiatives - albeit from a social distance!
Over the past couple of weeks, cadets have been uploading photographs of themselves in uniform, adopting a VE Day pose, and those images have been used in celebratory photo montages put together by both the School and Brentwood Borough Council.
A number of cadets also answered the call to take part in a VE Day 20-minute memories video, courtesy of Brentwood Borough Council, who are leading the town’s virtual commemorations.
The council’s short film - a collection of music by the Brentwood Imperial Youth Band, a flag raising, old wartime photos, video memories and interviews with local dignitaries and military organisations - will be premiered across social media on Friday (8th May).
A number of the School’s RAF, Army and Royal Navy cadets, in uniform, took part in special, socially-distanced interviews in Brentwood High Street as their contribution to this unique tribute.
Three Sixth Form cadets from each of the three services will also spend VE Day 75 supporting Brentwood public house, the Spread Eagle, with their kind-hearted plan to cook and deliver some 70 meals to local senior citizens.
Contingent Commander, Maj Jade Haron, said: “We are delighted to take part in these commemoration events and have ensured all social distancing protocols are in place.
“It has given cadets the opportunity to maintain their connection with the CCF during this difficult time and enabled us to support the wider Brentwood community.”
VE Day 75 will also influence the School’s enviable remote teaching and learning syllabus as part of Brentwood School’s #newnormal. During their timetabled CCF sessions, cadets have been tasked to choose to use either photos from the 1945 VE Day celebrations, poetry, drawing, paintings, or music to express how the commemoration has resonated with them.
*VE Day 75, is a three-day international celebration from 8th May to 10th May, marking 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe. It is an opportunity to reflect on the enormous sacrifice, courage and determination of people from all walks of life who saw the nation through a dark and terrifying period.
