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Coronavirus Kent: Battle of Britain trust plans virtual Memorial Day
11:31, 08 April 2020
updated: 13:00, 08 April 2020
Ambitious plans are being drawn up to commemorate Memorial Day virtually due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The idea comes from the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, which will mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain on Sunday, July 12.
But with the Battle of Britain Memorial, at Capel-le-Ferne near Folkestone, currently closed to visitors due to the virus pandemic, organisers are hoping an online event will still allow people around the world to take part.
"Clearly the coronavirus crisis means we can’t have Memorial Day in its usual form, but we are committed to pressing ahead with a suitable commemoration of the RAF’s victory in 1940,” explained Hon Secretary of the Trust Group Captain Patrick Tootal OBE.
"The country is facing a similar challenge to the one it faced in 1940 and we are determined to show the resolve that the men of the RAF showed in the face of adversity.
"We will not be beaten by the virus but will find other ways to commemorate this important year."
Memorial Day is always held on a Sunday close to the start of the Battle of Britain, which began on July 10, 1940, and following this year’s planned virtual event, the next ‘traditional’ commemoration is planned for Sunday, July 4 2021.
Keen to ensure that the 80th anniversary of the RAF’s victory is properly commemorated, the Trust has already rearranged the dates for its programme of Sunday afternoon talks, with those events now happening in September and October.
Captain Tootal added: "We were planning a year of special events and we are determined that they will still happen, even if we have to alter our plans significantly.
"We hope the public will continue to support us in that ambition.
"The Trust is proud of its role as guardians of the National Memorial to the Few, and with no visitor income at present we hope those who value the contribution made to Europe’s freedom by the RAF in 1940 will play their part.
"We will be releasing more details of this year’s online Memorial Day shortly, and in the meantime please consider donating to the Trust in memory of the Few so that we can continue to preserve and enhance this tribute to their bravery and sacrifice.”
Online donations to the Trust can be made here.
