On the Channel Islands’ 72nd Liberation Day, here is a reblog of a post from six years ago.
We came in one day
From far away
To Jersey’s lovely shore
You were standing there
With a smile to spare
For the soldiers you adore
This gorgeous isle
This welcome we will ne’er forget
And now you are free
Will you dance with me
To the Liberation Waltz
It’s 66 years today that two officers of the Royal Navy landed at the Albert Quay and accordingly ended five years of occupation by German forces. It’s a public holiday in the Island and there is no tailing off of the celebrations as the years pass. The big one though was in 1995, the 50th anniversary. They pushed the boat out that year. I attended the Grand Pageant at Fort Regent with my seven year-old son Eoin. It was a fabulous show depicting the capture of the Island, the Occupation and finally the joy of Liberation. It was a one-off…
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Back On The Rock 
Interesting to learn this piece of Jersey’s history, Roy. Happy Liberation Day to you!
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Thanks Carrie, it’s a very meaningful day here, especially of course for those that can still recall the Occupation years.
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I imagine so.
Hope you’re doing well and getting some writing time in. Thanks for the RTs this morning. Have a great rest of your week!
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I’m glad the Red Cross came to the rescue in the end, Roy. What an an amazing celebration this must be for Jersey each year – something that will never be forgotten xxx
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Yes Dianne, the SS Vega arrived on New Year’s Eve 1944 – the population really were on the verge of starvation. And 9th May is now firmly our ‘National Day’.
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It’s amazing to think that all this happened, isn’t it, Roy? And so important that succeeding generations are reminded, every single year. Certainly, we feel very strongly about commentating Remembrance Day every year, even the the ranks of marching WWII vets are thinning out, there are many young vets from other horrifying conflicts. I had no idea of the occupation of Guernsey and Jersey until I first read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and then your own historical novels. I hope people will stop and think about not only the courage and sacrifices of our preceding generations, but also how fragile our peace and civilization is right now. It needs more leaders of strength and integrity, and constant reminders of easily things can go wrong. Thanks for helping remind us, Roy, with this important post.
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Yes, and 9th May is seeming to become more meaningful every year here Jane.
I liked the reminiscences of one old lady who, as a young girl, chose not to flock to town with everyone else to greet the liberating soldiers on 9/5/45. Instead she went for a bicycle ride with her boyfriend and enjoyed the pure sensation of freedom after five years. Likewise I spent a couple of hours last Tuesday just jog/walking around the lanes, camera in hand, appreciating how lucky we are.
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