‘Living Museum’ opened as part of WWII commemorations

The Prince of Wales and Defence Secretary John Reid have opened the Living Museum in London, launching a week of nationwide commemorative events to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

His Royal Highness, accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall and Mr Reid, toured a number of wartime exhibitions at the museum, including displays and re-enactments, including Jungle Jitters Far East Encampment, a Battle of Britain Spitfire Scramble, a Home Front House Recreation and the Land Army’s Soil Cinderellas ‘Digging for Victory’.

His Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Defence Secretary are also met with veterans and children from the Aragon Primary School in Surrey, as part of the visit.

The exhibitions are aimed at enabling young people to learn about the experiences of those who participated in the Second World War, as well as evoke memories for veterans and those from the wartime generation.

A National Commemoration Day is to be held on next Sunday, July 10, between the VE and VJ Day anniversaries. VJ Day, which is on August 15, will be marked by wreath laying ceremonies on August 21, as agreed with the Burma Star Association.

Mr Reid said that the week of commemorative events would “demonstrate to those who lived through the war, at home and abroad, that the sacrifices their generation made and the hardships they endured are still acknowledged, valued and appreciated”. He said: “I hope that this year’s events will encourage people to discuss their own experience and pass on their own family’s war story to future generations giving them the opportunity to keep those memories alive.”

The Defence Secretary added: “The 60th commemorations will be primarily about the people involved in the war and final victory. They are also about the 60 years of peace in Europe that have followed, based on a fierce determination never to return to war. A determination strong enough to give rise to the United Nations, NATO and the European Union. We want to keep that resolve alive, maintaining public awareness of the devastating impact of global conflict.”

(KMcA/MB)