Libertaion 75 : A Day to Remember

On the 9^th May this year, the Island will celebrate 75 years since the liberation from German occupation at the end of World War II. Islanders are keen to keep the memory of Liberation Day very much alive and to remember all those affected by the occupation and War itself. Jersey’s present-day community and identity have been shaped by the occupation period and eventual liberation and the celebration provides all on the Island with a time to reflect on freedom, peace and inclusivity.

This year’s anniversary is set to be the biggest and most memorable celebration yet and an array of vibrant and exclusive events are taking place. Highlights are detailed below but for a full and up-to-date schedule, please visit www.gov.je/leisure/liberation75

The official Liberation 75 logo is inspired by Enid de Gruchy who, born on the 28^th February 1941, lived through the occupation and was 4 years old when the Island was liberated. Happily, alive and well today, Enid vividly remembers going into St Helier with her family on Liberation Day, all those years ago, and accepting her first ever sweet from a soldier. A few weeks after, when food packages arrived in the Island, Enid recalls being given her first ever orange. Although difficult for some to believe today, she didn’t know what to do with it. Fittingly then, the Liberation 75 logo portrays the symbolic handing-over of liberation to future generations.