A VE Day letter to readers from our editor: 'difficult times always come to an end'

Dear readers,

Seventy five years ago, the United Kingdom changed forever. On VE Day our nation began to leave behind fear, uncertainty and conflict and stepped into a new era of hope, reunion and prosperity.

It was a day for celebration. Across the country, the streets came alive with bunting, food, flags and people; we were united in joy.

Winston Churchill said this: “We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing; but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead.”

He was referring to the conflict still raging outside Europe in Japan.

“Advance, Britannia! Long live the cause of freedom! God save the King!” were his concluding remarks.

Today, we pause with respect and honour to remember the huge sacrifices made in the second world war.

As we do, we are reminded of our own very different toil and effort that still lies ahead. But we are sustained in Sussex by those whose leadership counts for so much.

Dame Vera Lynn, who lives in the heart of this great combined county, spoke to our journalists to give renewed hope.

“All around the world, people are facing extremely difficult times. It is likely that we will all have to make hard decisions in the coming months. I am reminded of World War II, when our country faced the darkest of times and yet, despite our struggles, pulled together for the common good and we faced the common threat together as a country, and as a community of countries that joined as one right across the world.

“In light of the challenges we now face, it is time for us all to rediscover that same spirit that saw us through the War. By keeping calm, looking after each other, and following the Government’s latest guidance, we can overcome the threat of Coronavirus (COVID-19) just as we have overcome so many other challenges before.

“I am sure many people, especially the elderly, are worried about what the future may hold. I encourage you all to keep smiling through.”

You can read her full interview here or on your local One Sussex website:

And in West Sussex, HM Lord Lieutenant Mrs Susan Pyper has written in our newspapers and websites this week with a special message.

“Those who lived through the Second World War trusted that something better would follow.

"And it is now our turn to rediscover that trust.

“We will get through this.

“I believe that strongly because of what I see and hear taking place in our county right now.

“The support of local communities to those who need it most.

“The compassion and determination being shown by so many individuals, groups, charities, companies, people just doing their job.

“And just as importantly, all of us who are trying to do what we can by following official advice.”

You can read her full article here.

The acts of kindness in our communities, the revitalised neighbourly feeling, the doorstep applause for our key workers, the rainbows plastered in windows - these stem from the same characteristics that defined the wartime spirit: getting on with life and making the best of a bad situation.

Much like our predecessors did three quarters of a century ago, our newspapers and websites have been there to share the news that is important to you and to lift people’s spirits by amplifying the positivity that is already out there.

As we near the milestone of 50 days of lockdown, with plans to ease the current restrictions on the horizon, it seems fitting that we should be celebrating VE Day.

We will have our own day of celebration soon, and our team will be there to share it with you when it does, so that in seventy five years from now, we can remind ourselves once again that difficult times always come to an end.

My very best wishes to you all and my sincere thanks for your continued support of our newspapers and websites

Stay safe

Gary

Gary Shipton

Editor

Eastbourne Herald

Hastings Observer Series

Chichester Observer Series

Worthing Herald Series

West Sussex County Times

Littlehampton Gazette

Crawley Observer

Mid Sussex Times

Sussex Express

Brighton and Hove Independent

West Sussex Gazette

www.wscountytimes.co.uk www.worthingherald.co.uk

www.midsussextimes.co.uk www.chichester.co.uk

www.crawleyobserver.co.uk www.bognor.co.uk

www.sussexexpress.co.uk www.midhurstandpetworth.co.uk

www.westsussextoday.co.uk www.shorehamherald.co.uk

www.littlehamptongazette.co.uk www.eastbourneherald.co.uk

www.hastingsobserver.co.uk www.bexhillobserver.net

ryeandbattleobserver.co.uk www.brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk