VE Day 80 commemorated by Pembrokeshire County Council
The 80th anniversary of VE Day was commemorated by Pembrokeshire County Council.
On Thursday, May 8, councillors and staff gathered at County Hall for the VE Day 80 proclamation.
This was read in Welsh by Councillor Delme Harries, member champion for Welsh language, and in English by Councillor Simon Hancock, the presiding member and member champion for armed forces.
A special VE Day 80 flag was raised, with staff and members led in wartime songs by Sarah Benbow.
A display included posters designed by children across the county (Image: Pembrokeshire County Council)
The foyer of County Hall was decorated with Union Jack bunting, and Pembrokeshire Archives created a VE Day exhibition of local news items from May 8, 1945.
Hundreds of posters relating to VE Day, made by Pembrokeshire schoolchildren, added colour to the occasion.
County Hall was also lit in red and blue to mark the anniversary.
Councillor Hancock said: "It was an honour to read the VE Day 80th proclamation.
"It was a lovely service and great to see the VE Day flag flying at County Hall.
"As the proclamation stated: 'We remember those we lost, those who were wounded or scarred and those whose lives were forever changed by war.'
"We thank them for everything they did so that we enjoy our freedoms today."
Councillor Jon Harvey, leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, added: "The 80th anniversary of VE Day has provided a timely opportunity to remember the sacrifices of the Second World War generation.
"It was an honour to be part of the commemorations at County Hall to pay tribute and remember the day peace was secured and victory declared across Europe."
Full council was adjourned at 10.45am to allow members to attend the Haverfordwest Town Council and Royal British Legion VE Day service at Salutation Square, Haverfordwest, and the national two-minute silence was observed at midday.
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