Nottinghamshire police chief wants us to be inspired by spirit of war heroes

Last week, the nation honoured the heroes of World War Two who sacrificed so much for our freedom and the way we live our lives today.
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The 75th anniversary of VE Day, the end of the war in Europe, was celebrated differently to how we envisaged but with no less enthusiasm as we replaced our community events with special activities at home to mark this historic event.

There are so many tremendous stories out there of bravery and courage, strength and sacrifice, and it is our duty to bring them to life for the next generation so that their service and contribution to Britain is never forgotten.

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These people gave us the freedom and choice that we take for granted today.

Paddy Tipping, police and crime commissioner for NottinghamshirePaddy Tipping, police and crime commissioner for Nottinghamshire
Paddy Tipping, police and crime commissioner for Nottinghamshire

We can learn a lot from their fortitude and we have so much to be grateful for.

The hope, resilience and strength we associate with VE Day is particularly relevant today as we find ourselves living through extraordinary and worrying times in history.

It is these qualities which will continue to bring us through the current coronavirus crisis and unite us with one another.

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We are all affected by the pandemic and all of our lives have changed.

But it has renewed community spirit and our sense of unity as it did for our parents and grandparents in 1945.

The coronavirus has often been described in language reminiscent of war-time Britain.

It is an ongoing threat and we have yet to claim victory but we can take great comfort in remembering that this country has suffered in the past and triumphed over great odds and we will do so again.

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This year there were no huge street parties or public memorial events at cenotaphs, war memorials or churches.

Social distancing measures remain in place to protect us all and ensure the NHS is not overwhelmed.

But technology and social media continue to be our friends and we were able to pay tribute to a generation who gave all for their country in the most fitting way possible.

However, you chose to celebrate VE Day this week, I hope you did it safely by following the latest guidance – it really is saving lives.

Follow Nottinghamshire Police on Twitter at @nottspolice.