BUCKS’ MPs have shared their thoughts on the importance of commemorating VE Day as the 75th anniversary arrives.

Steve Baker - Wycombe

No one will forget the sacrifice people made during WWII in defending our freedom and securing peace across Europe. We continue to honour those who contributed at home and from across the world, including those from modern day Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, the Caribbean islands, western and southern Africa, and the wider Commonwealth.

Winston Churchill said in his radio broadcast on VE Day “It is the victory of the cause of freedom in every land” and by commemorating these events we can remember and remind ourselves of the fragility of peace. With my past service in the Royal Air Force I will be thinking particularly of the aircrews who served bravely in defending our country from aerial attack and the wider RAF family.

Rob Butler - Aylesbury

The 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day is a chance for us all to reflect on the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation. Whilst celebrations this year will certainly look different to the crowded streets of 1945, the themes remain the same: unity, strength and unwavering community spirit.

This important occasion is a reminder that, as a nation, we are strong enough to overcome our current challenges, and, as we look forward to a time when we can once again gather as communities, let us not forget the heroism of the generations before us.

However you are celebrating this weekend, please stay safe and stay home.

Dame Cheryl Gillan - Amersham

We must always remember the sacrifices of the generation who lived through the Second World War in defence of our democracy.

It is even more important as we live through this current global crisis that we protect our hard won freedoms that are secured by democracy and the rule of law in whose defence so many were willing to give their lives in the last century for our future in this one.

Greg Smith - Buckingham

As we mark the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe, it is more important than ever to remember - and thank - those who fought for our freedom, especially the thousands who lost their lives, making the ultimate sacrifice.

Covid-19 means we cannot mark this momentous anniversary in the way we would all like. But I am sure everyone will still take a moment to remember, decorate their homes with pride, join in the 2 minutes silence and perhaps raise a glass to the generation who gave their tomorrow for our today.

Personally I look forward to speaking with my grandparents, now in their late 90s, both of whom played their part - my grandfather in the RAF and my grandmother in the Land Army.

Most importantly, as we look to the future, let us remember what all those years ago it was fundamentally about: as Winston Churchill remarked in his address to declare victory in Europe, “Long live the cause of freedom!”

Joy Morrissey - Beaconsfield

75 years ago saw the triumph of freedom and liberty over oppression and fascism. On this historic anniversary let us celebrate that victory, and also reflect upon the spirit and resolve of the heroes who gave their lives to defend this country, and the people who came together as a community to see our nation through those troubling time.

Today, we can find many parallels with the wartime generation, from the NHS and care-worker heroes battling on the front lines, to the people across Buckinghamshire working as one to help the vulnerable and flatten the curve. Our country’s response to the coronavirus pandemic has shown that the wartime spirit, which so many have admired down the generations, is very much alive and kicking.

While we are separated from loved ones on this historic day, let us channel that wartime spirit and think ahead to the brighter days still to come.