Letter from Bruno Peek, Pageant Master of VE Day
Dear Participants,
AS THE SUN SETS THROUGHOUT THE NATION ON 15TH AUGUST 2020, BUGLERS, TRUMPET AND CORNET PLAYERS UNDERTAKE THE PLAYING OF SUNSET AS THE FINALE TO THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY VJ DAY COMMEMORATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS
May I first take this opportunity to thank and ‘salute’ your determination and courage, during these difficult times, to continue your unique role in the celebration of the 75th anniversary of VE Day on 8th May. I feel so proud to be able to call you my friends.
From reports from around the UK, I know that the people of our individual countries, counties, regions and parishes were so grateful for your involvement in this special anniversary marking the end of WW II, and attach your Certificate of Grateful Recognition for your involvement in VJ Day 75, in case you have not already received one.
2020 and the 75th anniversary is likely to be the last time that we could say our collective, special ‘thank you’ to the surviving veterans of this bloody conflict as their numbers fade to quickly.
As we know, the brave veterans from this campaign always feel they are the ‘forgotten army’ during these important anniversary celebrations over the years.
So, with this in mind, and to show they will NEVER be forgotten, I humbly call upon you all to help us commemorate those many, many thousands of brave souls that were still engaged on the Pacific Front 75 years ago.
I would be grateful, therefore, if from a safe location of your choice (keeping to social distancing and other measures that may still be in place), you would find it in your hearts to LEAD the playing of Sunset at 20:20 throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, signalling the finale of these important, historic commemorations on 15th August this year.
I understand this will be a fairly late time in the day for all involved, but feel confident that Buglers, Trumpeters and Cornet players of our great country will rise to this challenge for those millions at home and abroad that gave and suffered so much to ensure we all share and enjoy the freedom we have today.
If you wish to take part, please provide me with the following information, emailing it to brunopeek@mac.com no later than 7th August 2020 .
Name of Bugler, Trumpeter, Cornet Player:
Name of Band:
Email Address:
Telephone number- (this is optional):
In reference to where you are playing Battle's O'er:
Name of location:
Name of Village, Town or City:
Name of County:
Name of Country:
Will your participation be open to the public or private - please confirm:
If it is private your involvement will not be shown on any public listing, so it is important you confirm this aspect of your participation please.
Please would you be kind enough to spread the word throughout other members of your band and the worldwide family of music you belong to, through all forms of social media, encouraging them to take part too.
I do hope that you will wish to take part in VJ Day 75 and look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
My warmest regards.
Tel: + 44 (0) 7737 262 913
Email: brunopeek@mac.com