05-05-2025
First and Deputy First Ministers display united front at VE Day commemoration
The First and Deputy Deputy First Ministers sat together at the event to mark 80 years since the formal acceptance by the Allies of Germany's unconditional surrender in World War Two.
The service was hosted by His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast, Dame Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle, and the Dean of Belfast, the Very Reverend Stephen Forde.
Dame Maria Eagle MP was also present, as well as DUP leader Gavin Robinson and his wife Lindsay.
In the order of service, the Lord Lieutenant said: "The unrestrained joy that brought tens of thousands of people onto Belfast's streets and across Northern Ireland on May 8 1945 was at least, in part, a release of the fear and grief that had so characterised the years since the outbreak of war in 1939,' she said.
"No one was unaffected, and freedom, independence and the preservation of democracy had been achieved at a hugely high cost.
"At this challenging time for Europe and the world, it is entirely right that we remember with proud sorrow the sacrifice of all who endured the vicissitudes of the Second World War, but imperative also that we reflect on our common purpose as a nation, as individuals and within our own communities. Each of us has a role to play.'
The Dean of Belfast said the event was also about remembering all those who contributed to the war effort.
"We remember the heroism and sacrifice of all those who contributed to the war effort on the home front, in agriculture and industries, as firefighters, or air-raid wardens, as scientists or code breakers, or those who guarded our skies and seas from cold and remote lookout towers,' said Mr Forde.
"Yet today, as we look back with gratitude we must also look forward. In today's service, the twin challenges of peace keeping and peace building, are represented by those on whose shoulders our future peace depends.
"Peace, and the absence of war can never be taken for granted. Today let us pray with thanksgiving and hope for the God given gift of enduring peace.'
