VJ Day tributes to recognise Eastbourne’s ‘resilience, service and sacrifice’ during war
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of peace, Your Eastbourne Business Improvement District (BID) and Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce will be projecting images and stories onto The Beacon Centre from 9pm to 11pm this weekend (August 15-16).
VJ Day, short for Victory Over Japan Day, is the day the country officially surrendered and is considered the end of World War II.
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Hide AdOrganisers say the projections will recognise those who survived the war and to say thank you for their ‘resilience, service and sacrifice’.
Stephen Holt, CEO of Eastbourne BID, said, “This tribute to those who served and sacrificed so very much during the Second World War will display a variety of images to show the resilience and emotions of Eastbourne’s residents.”
According to organisers, the visual display will include photographs, notes and memories from Eastbourne residents, thanks to Heritage Eastbourne and the East Sussex County Council Library.
Chamber of Commerce boss Christina Ewbank said, “We wanted to do something to commemorate VJ Day and recognise those who lived in Eastbourne, the most bombed town on the south coast during the Second World War.
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Hide Ad“When the bombers flew over on their way back to Germany from London, Coventry and Southampton, they dropped their excess bombs on our town, which must have been absolutely terrifying; particularly as we had no early warning system or sirens for most of the war.
“So we have created a display of images to project onto The Beacon Centre, opposite The London and County Pub, to recognise the spirit of Eastbournians 75 years ago.”
Organisers said the display will also include work by the internationally acclaimed artist, Anthony Freeman, who will also be displaying his contemporary art inside The Beacon Centre during August.
Thanks have been extended by organisers to The Beacon Centre and Wetherspoon’s London and County pub for agreeing to hold the event, and also to Hastings BID for lending equipment.
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Hide AdFor more information about Anthony Freeman, visit his website www.art-contemporary.com
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