There will be a two minute silence at 3pm to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe.

Members of the public are being reminded to observe the silence and motorists asked to stop their cars and turn off their engines to remember all those who died in the service of their country.

Tonight, a beacon will be lit by D-Day veteran Hector Duff at the war memorial in St John's. It will be one of more than a hundred being lit simultaneously across Britain. Proceedings get under way at 9pm with the Ellan Vannin Pipes & Drums assembling on the field, a welcome and parade, a tribute by Mr Duff to old comrades and those who stayed behind to safeguard the home front, followed by the lighting of the beacon.

Mr Duff, 95, took part in the Normandy campaign which led up to the Allied victory in Europe. He is the holder of the Military Medal, the British Empire Medal, the French Legion d’honneur, and the Tynwald Honour Medal for an outstanding contribution to Manx life.


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