£10,000 fund launched to mark WW2 anniversary

The Norfolk Armed Forces Covenant Board has launched a fund to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

The Norfolk 2020 Commemoration Fund is open for events or projects that commemorate the 75th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, Victory in Japan (VJ) Day, or the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Dunkirk and Operation Dynamo.

The Covenant Board are working with Norfolk Community Foundation, who will manage the £10,000 fund, making individual grants of up to £500 available to non-profit groups.

Launching the Norfolk 2020 Commemoration Fund, Air Commodore Kevin Pellatt, Armed Forces Commissioner for Norfolk said: “The loss of lives in these wars was a very high price to pay for victory, particularly for the Royal Norfolk Regiment, whose battalions served for the duration of the Second World War.

“This is why we must commemorate them and others to ensure our communities across Norfolk learn about war and understand its significance in the peace we now enjoy.”

Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships at Norfolk County Council said: “Our communities are extremely proud of the Royal Norfolk Regiment and the role the battalions played in helping secure victories. The County Council is firmly committed to supporting the Norfolk Armed Forces Covenant and we have supported the work of the Board for many years.”

Claire Cullen, Chief Executive, Norfolk Community Foundation said: “We're proud to be working with the Norfolk Armed Forces Covenant Board to provide funding to help local communities commemorate these significant anniversaries. We look forward to receiving applications from groups looking to engage and involve their local communities, remembering the sacrifices made by so many.”

The Fund is already open and it will close on 31 January 2020 with applications welcome for community events, arts projects, educational activities or military history research projects.

The full details of 2020 Commemoration Fund can be found on the Norfolk Community Foundation Website which details the projects and groups that can apply.

• 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe day (VE day) - Friday May 2020
• 75th Anniversary of Victory in Japan day (VJ day)- Saturday 15 August 2020
• 80th anniversary of Dunkirk and Operation Dynamo will be marked nationally with events between 26 May to 4 June 2020.

About the Norfolk Armed Forces Covenant

The Armed Forces Covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support between a civilian community and its local armed forces community. It is a pledge to ensure those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces are treated fairly. It also acknowledges that special consideration is appropriate for those who have given most: the wounded, injured, sick and the bereaved.

The aims of the Armed Forces Covenant are to:

• Encourage local communities to support the Armed Forces Community in their areas and vice versa
• Nurture public understanding and awareness amongst the public of issues affecting the Armed Forces Community
• Recognise and remember the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces Community
• Encourage activities which help to integrate the Armed Forces Community into local life

For more information, visit the Norfolk Armed Forces Covenant webpage.