Hundreds of people were in attendance for special memorial events yesterday (Thursday 8 May) to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
The commemorations started with a flag raising at the Town Hall in Grays. This was followed by a service at the Grays War Memorial, organised by Grays Royal British Legion, before a two-minute silence was held at 11am.
Tilbury Royal British Legion held their service at the Tilbury Memorial.
The Grays ceremony was attended by John Kent, the Leader of Thurrock Council, Jen Craft, MP for Thurrock, James McMurdock, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, Cllr Kairen Raper, Mayor of Thurrock, and local primary school children who are part of the T100 Young Ambassadors.
Councillor John Kent said: “Thurrock and its citizens played a full part in the Second World War, from the many local men and women who signed up to serve, to our docks which helped prepare boats and equipment for D-Day to the families who endured years of Luftwaffe bombs.
“Eighty years on, it is still important that we remember the sacrifices they made so that we could enjoy freedom and democracy.”
After the ceremony, the T100 Young Ambassadors led a short walk around Grays, highlighting local stories from the war. The children were then invited to join the Mayor at the Town Hall for a tea party.
Jen Craft MP said: “On the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we remember and pay tribute to those who sacrificed so much to defend our nation and our freedom, both in the armed forces and on the home front.
"It is a time for us to come together as a community to reflect on the extraordinary bravery of the wartime generation, in Thurrock and across the country, and celebrate the British values they fought to defend. It was a privilege to join the ceremony in Grays and mark this special anniversary, as people in Thurrock did 80 years ago."
James McMurdock MP said: "I'm honoured to join the people of Thurrock in commemorating VE Day alongside the Council. This day reminds us of the immense bravery and sacrifice made by a generation to secure our freedom. It is vital that we continue to come together as a community to remember those who gave so much, and to teach future generations about the values of courage, resilience and national pride that they stood for."
In the afternoon, a special VE Day celebration, complete with music, dancing, cakes and tea, was held at the Tilbury Riverside Railway Station, London International Cruise Terminal.
At 9:30pm, the beacons in Thurrock were lit, joining flaming beacons around the UK marking the anniversary.
Bunting made and donated by residents, businesses and community groups was on display around the borough.
Thurrock Museum’s VE80 exhibition at the Thameside Complex tells the personal stories of local people who lived through the war. It runs until 15 May: thurrock.gov.uk/thurrock-museum/events-and-exhibitions.
Did you and your neighbours, your street or community group hold your own commemorations for VE Day? Share your photos with us by emailing them to CommunicationsTeam@thurrock.gov.uk or post them on social media using the hashtag #ThurrockVEDay
