大象传媒

An unforgettable day for everyone who lived to see it. And Churchill's speech! How he had inspired us throughout the past six years. He advised caution, not forgetting that other enemy, Japan. It was impossible not to rejoice over the victory in Europe and thoughts were spared for those who wouldn't be coming back.

There was much for us to be happy about and people danced in the streets and the pubs stayed open all day long. Later, there would be an official day but not until the Japanese surrendered. The news of the capitulation came through very late at night when most people were asleep. But they were soon woken up and once again there was dancing in the streets. A lot of people were still in their nightclothes, and once again the pub doors were opened. I'm afraid I missed out on this night because I had to get up early for work the following morning. However, the official two days holiday was something to remember because everyone could organise celebrations.
Parties in every street, decorations everwhere you looked, music, laughter, and singing all day and night but, of course, there were tears for some. I was eighteen and enjoying the happiest year of my life. I remember it all- this is how it was.

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