7th May 2020 – the eve of VE Day
The war memorial and the church
The names of those from Epeigné-les-Bois
who were killed during the Second World War
who were killed during the Second World War
All is ready for the limited and restrained
ceremony to mark VE Day
8th May 2020: VE Day
It wasn't intended to be this way in 2020 to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day – the day that Nazi Germany surrendered bringing the war in Europe to an end. A time to remember the sacrifices made by many people from many different nations. Particularly poignant for countries like France that were occupied.
Unfortunately due to the coronavirus the ceremony was limited to just six people – the Maire (Christian Percevault) plus five representatives.
The front of the procession
The Maire's speech
A tribute under 'social distancing'
Laying Epeigné's wreath at the
base of the memorial
Silence for Epeigné's dead
Epeigné's wreath
NB: all above photos taken at more than 2 metres distance.
••
Memories from 8th May 2011:
Looking back nine years to a more customary marking of VE Day. As it would have been but for the pandemic. In normal years there is a ceremony at the war memorial and then a second ceremony in the cemetery. In 2020 only the ceremony at the war memorial was held.
Getting ready to march
The march
The Maire (Michel Mergot gives the speech)
Laying the wreath
In the cemetery:
A plaque of remembrance
••
Looking back nine years is also a reminder of people who are sadly no longer with us:
Piero – one of Epeigné's great characters
with a tremendous zest for life
with a tremendous zest for life
Gérard Taureau – a previous Maire of Epeigné (1959-1983)
He died in August 2011
He died in August 2011
'Élu une première fois au conseil municipal d'Épeigné-les-Bois en 1953, il a assuré deux mandats de conseiller puis quatre mandats de maire soit 36 ans au service de la commune.'
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