VE Day 1945!

From my novel, Dear Nora: 

     "May 8, 1945—we were having lunch at the hotel when the waiter told us Churchill was to speak at 1500. We took the Tube to St. James Park, then started walking toward Buckingham Palace. It was nearly 1500 when we came upon a crowd gathered in front of a home. The residents had placed a radio in an open window facing the street and turned up the volume. We joined them to listen. Churchill’s speech had few words of victory, more of relief, and an overall feeling of exhaustion. Afterwards, we were caught up with the hordes of people heading to Buckingham Palace where thousands were already waiting. The king, queen, and the two princesses came out on the balcony within a few minutes to loud cheers from the crowd. I’ve never been in such a happy mob.

      After a time, we decided to walk back to the hotel and see the sights along the way. It seemed like every Londoner was on the streets. We saw long tables set out for celebratory meals and revelers spilling out of pubs. Church bells were ringing, horns were sounding, and alcohol was flowing freely. I’ve never felt so alive as I did that afternoon and evening. As we walked along in our uniforms, so many people thanked us, hugged us, offered us food or drink, and invited us to join their party. It took hours to get back to the hotel on foot, but what glorious hours they were. 

     As darkness fell, the sky was pierced with beacons shining up from St. Paul’s Cathedral and people gathered around bonfires in the streets. The celebration went on all night and into the next day. I feel so lucky to have been in London on VE Day. It’s a day I’ll never forget."