Commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day
Council colleagues are invited to join the nationwide two-minute silence at midday on VE Day, Thursday 8 May, offering an opportunity to remember and thank those who fought for our freedom.
In addition, a series of activities has been planned throughout 2025 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War 2, the contributions of the generations who lived and served through it and its legacy in East Lothian.
East Lothian held an important strategic position in both the First and Second World Wars. Its location along the Forth and next to Edinburgh meant that it played a key defensive role by both sea and air. The conflict impacted communities through conscription, lives lost during service and families forever changed by their wartime experiences.
'Dig for victory'
A ‘Dig for Victory’ competition has been launched in East Lothian Council schools for pupils in primaries 5 to 7 and S1 to S3 in secondary schools. The Dig for Victory campaign encouraged people across Britain to grow their own food during wartime. The competition invites young people to explore the spirit of the campaign—resilience, resourcefulness, and community—through art, writing, gardening, and history.
Entries will be judged for their creativity and originality, understanding of the theme and effort and presentation by a panel including council representatives who have served in the Armed Forces. A selection of entries will be displayed in libraries.
Libraries and museums
Haddington, North Berwick and Tranent libraries are hosting an exhibition of photographs while John Gray Centre is highlighting the World War 2 items in its collection online with some of the items on display in the museum’s foyer. A display of information and images on the role of Polish soldiers is available to view on the John Gray Centre website www.johngraycentre.org
WW2 walking trail
Finally, a walking trail launching in summer months to East Lothian’s unique WW2 anti-tank defences along the county’s coast will give people an opportunity to pause and reflect on the impact on the landscape which remains visible today.