The importance of anniversaries

By The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Jane Hedges - 01 May 2020

The keeping of special anniversaries plays a very important part in our lives. As we do this we are given the opportunity to recall memories and to some extent to re-live in our imaginations what took place, sometimes many years ago.

As we now approach the 75th Anniversary of VE Day, for the vast majority of us, we have no memory of this event, because it was well before we were born (even for those of us who are getting on in years!)

However, for people of all ages in our population, we are all aware of the deep significance of the Second World War - learning about it through stories from parents and grandparents, through films and literature, through history lessons and school trips. We can then, all use our imaginations to think what a joy and relief it was when the war came to an end in Europe on May 8 1945.

Originally there were all kinds of plans in place to celebrate this anniversary and the government had even moved the May Bank Holiday in order for the nation to do this. So, for many people, especially those who lived through the Second World War and those who fought for their country, there will be great disappointment that the original plans made to commemorate this anniversary have had to be cancelled.

However, this does not mean that we can’t remember the incredible sacrifices made by that generation of amazing people, who have given freedom to those of us born in subsequent years.

This anniversary also gives us the opportunity to pause and think about the important lessons we can learn from the past and to pray for people who continue to suffer as a result of conflict in our world today.

During the present COVID-19 crisis we are at a moment in world history when we can dedicate ourselves anew to working together, not only for peace, but for the flourishing of people of every nation. Jesus taught us to love our neighbour as ourselves and we’ve witnessed so much love being shared over these past weeks.

Let us all then, commit ourselves to capturing that spirit of love and co-operation in our world, and so make this significant anniversary a moment when we not only look back with thanksgiving, but forward with a renewed commitment to making our world a better place.