VE Day Commemorated In Ryde with Wreath Laying and Moment of Reflection

Today (Thursday) saw representatives from the Royal British Legion and Ryde’s Mayor, Richard May, joined by members of the public for a poignant gathering at the War Memorial shrine on Lind Street to mark Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

The informal ceremony included the laying of a wreath and a minute’s silence in honour of those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War.

Councillor Charles Chapman, in his capacity as President of the Royal British Legion Ryde branch, opened the ceremony with a recital of the exhortation.

Mayor May addressed those in attendance, expressing his heartfelt gratitude for the peace

enjoyed today.

“I am deeply thankful never to have faced the horrors of war or conscription,” he said.

“We owe an immense debt of gratitude to those who stepped forward for their country, and to those who never returned.”

The gathering served as a quiet but meaningful reminder of the courage and resilience shown by past generations, and the importance of remembering their legacy.