It was the 64th time that Islanders had gathered to mark one of the most momentous events in their history the day when the sweet taste of freedom was savoured after four long years of Nazi occupation.
After bands, uniformed organisations, veterans and States Members had proceeded from the Royal Square, the programme began with a service led by the Dean of Jersey, the Very Rev Bob Key. He was joined on the dais by representatives of the Island’s Catholic, Methodist, Jewish and Muslim congregations in a show of unity.
And for the first time the German Ambassador, His Excellency Georg Boomgaarden, stood alongside the Bailiff, Sir Philip Bailhache, and other Island dignitaries.
In his last Liberation Day speech before retiring at the end of June, Sir Philip said that Jersey was a ‘small nation’ that should celebrate cultural diversity, take joy in hearing different languages in shops and restaurants, and take pride in the fact that the heads of the Island’s Jewish and Muslim communities could attend Liberation Day in friendship and solidarity.
The service, including the singing of the anthem, which was composed by local cello virtuoso Gerard Le Feuvre, was followed by the re-enactment ceremony with the unfurling of the Union Flag from the window of the former Tourism building and the raising of the flag on the Pomme d’Or Hotel and at Fort Regent.
• Pictures by David Ferguson
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