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On Friday 8 May, the UK will mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
The occasion, which is also known as Victory in Europe Day, commemorates the day towards the end of the Second World War when fighting against Nazi Germany in Europe came to an end.
While celebrations have been pared back due to the coronavirus outbreak, there are still plenty of ways for people across the country to join in, including a two-minute silence and a nationwide singalong of the wartime anthem “We’ll Meet Again” by Dame Vera Lynn.
Here is everything you need to know about the event, from the full lyrics to why the song is so important.
When is the singalong happening?
The singalong is scheduled to take place on Friday 8 May just after 9pm following the Queen’s special address to the nation, which will be shown on BBC One.
The song will be led by Dame Vera Lynn, 103, from a window at her home in Sussex.
The event will form the centrepiece of a televised musical event VE Day 75: The People’s Celebration, which will begin at 8pm.
What are the lyrics to “We’ll Meet Again”?
We'll meet again
Don't know where
Don't know when
But I know we'll meet again
Some sunny day
Keep smiling through
Just like you always do
'Till the blue skies chase
Those dark clouds far away
And I will just say hello
To the folks that you know
Tell them you won't be long
They'll be happy to know
That, as I saw you go
You were singing this song
We'll meet again
Don't know where
Don't know when
But I know we'll meet again
Some sunny day
And I will just say hello
To the folks that you know
Tell them you won't be long
They'll be happy to know
That, as I saw you go
You were singing this song
We'll meet again
Don't know where
Don't know when
But I know we'll meet again
Some sunny day
Who wrote the song?
Originally released in 1939, “We’ll Meet Again” was composed by Ross Parker and Hughie Charles, and sung by Dame Vera Lynn.
Why was the song so important during the Second World War?
The song found its fame during the Second World War, as it resonated with soldiers who had to leave their families and fight for Britain.
Thanks to its moving melody and uplifting lyrics, “We’ll Meet Again” was played on the radio during wartime broadcasts, which were designed to provide public information and boost morale after bombing raids.
How else is the event being honoured this year?
In addition to the singalong and the Queen’s speech, the BBC will also air a pre-recorded video message from Prince Charles, who will read an extract from his grandfather King George VI’s diary from VE Day, which describes the day’s events, including the royal family’s Buckingham Palace balcony appearances.
A two-minute silence will be held on the day at 11am and a broadcast of Winston Churchill’s victory speech will be aired in the afternoon.