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Vale marks VE Day 80

Thursday, 8 May 2025 16:51

By Bro Radio Newsroom

VOG Council

Two of Barry's most distinguished war veterans took part in commenorations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Events have been taking place across the Vale of Glamorgan to honour those who served and sacrifced during the Second World War.

In Barry, the VE Day flag was raised at the forecourt of the town's Civic Ofices before a remembrance service was held at the Cenotaph at the Memorial Hall, including a two-minute silence at noon.

Both events were attended by Joe Norton, who at nearly 99 years old, is the town's oldest surviving World War II veteran.

He joined the Merchant Navy at the age of 16 and recalls the moment peace was declared in Europe when his ship had just docked in Genoa, Italy.

“We watched the locals celebrating and marching through the town,” he said.

Also attending was 93 year-old Jasper Payne - who is the last surviving Welsh veteran of the Kenyan campaign.

He was deployed there as a carpenter at the age of 21 and witnessed some harrowing scenes during his service.

Cllr Lis Burnett, leader of Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: "Today, we remember not only the end of a devastating war but also the courage, resilience, and unity that brought us through it."

"We are deeply honoured to have Joe and Jasper with us — living links to our shared history and heroes in every sense."

"On behalf of the council, I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all who attended and contributed to today’s commemorations. Your presence ensures that the legacy of those who served lives on in the hearts of future generations."

As a further commenoration, the western shelter at Barry Island will be lit up in the Union Jack colours - red, white and blue - from 6pm.

Elsewhere in the Vale, a short thanksgiving service took place on Thursday morning at Cowbridge Town Hall with a number of street parties taking place throughout the county over the weekend.

Senior citizens were treated to a special afternoon tea and entertainment at the Barry War Museum and Heritage Centre - with the town council organising a fish and chips lunch at the Cemetery Approach Community Centre.

And in Penarth, the town's conservative club held a Bank Holiday Monday party including reinditions of nostalgic wartime songs from vocalist Bethan Searle and 'GI Joe' plus a special guest appearance from a Winston Churchill impersonator.

And around 250 people from across Wales gathered at Llandaff Cathedral for a national service of thanksgiving on Wednesday evening, led by the First Minister.

Eluned Morgan said: "This anniversary is about honouring ordinary Welsh people who did extraordinary things. This isn't just another date in our history books, this was a moment that changed lives, changed Wales and our world."

"As the number of living veterans decreases, it becomes ever more important that we keep their stories alive and pass them to future generations."

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