Wednesday 20 May 2020
Thousands of islanders got involved with the virtual celebrations for the 75th Anniversary of Liberation Day earlier this month, despite plans being quite different from what was originally expected.
The online nature of the events on May 9th even came with the additional benefit of allowing people from all over the world to get involved, and it didn't stop the island celebrating either, as people watched online and listened on the radio.
Deputy Matt Fallaize, President of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture, said:
"Thank you to everyone who participated in the day's events and who commemorated and celebrated together in the most unusual circumstances. When we looked to reshape the events only six weeks ago, we could not have imagined how far we would come with the programme and how many people would take part, so I would like to thank all those involved in making the day so special."
Event Organiser, Nikki Symons, said:
"The feedback we had was overwhelming. The streaming of the events online meant that people who would not normally be in Guernsey for the celebrations were also able to join in and we received messages of support from all over the UK, Russia, Australia, Canada and China. Local people also shared their personal stories of Liberation and shared photos of how they remembered the day for which we are very grateful."
"In November 2019, the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture announced plans to give all primary school children a special edition 75th Anniversary Liberation 50p coin to mark the occasion. The coins, presented in a limited edition pack, were due to be delivered to all primary schools in the lead-up to Liberation Day, but these plans changed due to the closure of the schools as a result of the impact of Covid-19.
Deputy Fallaize added:
"We are pleased to be able to announce that the coins have arrived on island and we are still planning to give out the packs as soon as we are able to do so."
The coins have been produced in partnership with the States Treasury and Westminster Collection. 1000 of the coins, in their special packs, will be available for purchase at the Guernsey Museum at Candie shop and from the Guernsey Information Centre once both sites are able to reopen to the public.
The States Treasury will also be issuing a small quantity of these coins into circulation over the coming weeks.
