Following Lee's thread Happy VE Day I thought i would post one for our Liberation Day.
today is the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Channel Islands from German forces in 1945 - after almost exactly 5 years of occupation. This is the main 'national' celebration in Guernsey, effectively our national day - think 4th july in the USA - and is a public holiday.
Magor events are held every 5 years so today is subdued, but fun. The day starts with a military parade and service of remembrence. Here are a few photos of today's military parade; which included Gurkas, Chelsea Pensioners, Veterans, Collage Combined Cadet Force, RAF Cadets, Sea Cadets, Army Cadets and a couple of bands.
forming up
From the front, band and Gurkas to the centreish
Chelsea Pensioners marching to thier position
Second half of the parade
The inspection of the parade was by the Lt Governor (the King's personal representative in the island), and the Island's Bailiff. this is a position unique to the chennel Islands. For which there is no uk equivalent. He is the island's 'leading citizen and totally non-political, whose roles include being the of the equivalent of the Speaker in the House of Commons and the head of the Judiciary. The role dates back to the 13th Century. The position is a Crown Appointment, which means that he, like the LT Governor Is personal appointment by the King.
The bailiff is the one in the ermine robes.
the parade followed by a church service forms the commemorative part of the day. The rest is more celebratory.
Amongst many smaller events there was a parade of about 50+ military vehicles plus vintage cars and vintage tractors drove around the coast of the Island, here are a few photos:
this evening there is a concert and firework display.
next year, being the 80th will be a major celebration, and it is expected that a senior royal will attend. Planning for it is already underway!
Peter
today is the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Channel Islands from German forces in 1945 - after almost exactly 5 years of occupation. This is the main 'national' celebration in Guernsey, effectively our national day - think 4th july in the USA - and is a public holiday.
Magor events are held every 5 years so today is subdued, but fun. The day starts with a military parade and service of remembrence. Here are a few photos of today's military parade; which included Gurkas, Chelsea Pensioners, Veterans, Collage Combined Cadet Force, RAF Cadets, Sea Cadets, Army Cadets and a couple of bands.
forming up
From the front, band and Gurkas to the centreish
Chelsea Pensioners marching to thier position
Second half of the parade
The inspection of the parade was by the Lt Governor (the King's personal representative in the island), and the Island's Bailiff. this is a position unique to the chennel Islands. For which there is no uk equivalent. He is the island's 'leading citizen and totally non-political, whose roles include being the of the equivalent of the Speaker in the House of Commons and the head of the Judiciary. The role dates back to the 13th Century. The position is a Crown Appointment, which means that he, like the LT Governor Is personal appointment by the King.
The bailiff is the one in the ermine robes.
the parade followed by a church service forms the commemorative part of the day. The rest is more celebratory.
Amongst many smaller events there was a parade of about 50+ military vehicles plus vintage cars and vintage tractors drove around the coast of the Island, here are a few photos:
this evening there is a concert and firework display.
next year, being the 80th will be a major celebration, and it is expected that a senior royal will attend. Planning for it is already underway!
Peter
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