VE Day: Council invite veterans to celebrate at Kendal Town Hall

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Veterans and town councillors came together to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day over coffee and cake.

Dozens of veterans from across the region came together to share stories and commemorate the lives of those who served their country at an event.

Wednesday's event was hosted at Kendal Town Hall by the council’s Chief Legal and Monitoring Officer and Armed Forces Lead Officer Linda Jones - offering the council an opportunity to thank veterans on behalf of the community.

“None of this would be possible without the support of our members who are so passionate about supporting armed forces families,” said Ms Jones.

“We’ve come together as a community today to commemorate and to celebrate 80 years of VE Day.”

Colonel Chris Sanderson, deputy to the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, said he was proud to sit on the Armed Forces board.

“Bringing everyone together at events like this proves that veterans come from all generations, all backgrounds and all parts of the community," he said.

“The work Linda has done in this area is wonderful and it would be great to see it roll out across the county."

After meeting and sharing memories over VE Day themed cake, representatives from the council stood alongside veterans for a moment of remembrance and two minutes silence.

Outgoing Chair of Westmorland and Furness Council Matt Severn said: “As a council, we are here to serve all communities, and veterans represent all communities.

“It’s important for us to come together and honour the sacrifices and bravery of all those who lost their lives, and those who helped to keep our country safe, whether that was 80 years ago or today.”

The afternoon united veterans spanning many generations from those who served in World War II to those whose tours of duty took them to the Middle East, Africa and closer to home.

"Events like this give a sense of stability,” said Col. Sanderson. “We come together in admiration and gratitude, in celebration and remembrance of those who came before us."

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