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Get ready to commemorate Guernsey Liberation Day on May 9! This special day marks the end of German occupation during World War II and the return of freedom for the island of Guernsey. After five years of hardship and sacrifice, the people of Guernsey were finally able to celebrate their liberation and rebuild their community. It's a day filled with parades, concerts, and other festive activities to honor those who fought for their country's freedom. Let's join in on the celebrations and remember the resilience and bravery of the people of Guernsey on this historic day.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1940</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Start of German Occupation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Germany occupied Guernsey during World War II, causing disruption and hardship for the locals.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1942</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Deportation of Islanders</div><div class='timeline-text'>The German forces deported over 1,000 locals to Europe as retaliation for island resistance activities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1944</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Red Cross Aid</div><div class='timeline-text'>The SS Vega, a Red Cross ship, brought vital supplies to the starving islanders towards the end of World War II.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Liberation Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>On May 9, British forces landed in Guernsey, signaling the end of German occupation and the island's liberation.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1995</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>50th Anniversary</div><div class='timeline-text'>A large-scale celebration was held, which included a visit from Queen Elizabeth II to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Liberation Day.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Join in on the festivities by attending a parade to celebrate Guernsey Liberation Day. Enjoy the music, floats, and community spirit as you honor this important day in Guernsey's history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a traditional Guernsey BBQ</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends and family for a traditional Guernsey BBQ to celebrate Liberation Day. Serve up some local delicacies like Guernsey gâche, bean jar, and black butter while enjoying each other's company.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit historical sites</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to some of the historical sites in Guernsey such as Castle Cornet or the German Occupation Museum. Learn more about the island's history and pay tribute to those who fought for its liberation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a charity event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use Guernsey Liberation Day as an opportunity to give back to the community. Organize a charity event such as a fun run or bake sale and donate the proceeds to a local charity in honor of the day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a fireworks display</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>End the day with a bang by watching a fireworks display with friends and family. Many towns in Guernsey have their own firework shows to celebrate Liberation Day, so be sure to catch one near you.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It commemorates an important historical event</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Guernsey Liberation Day marks the end of German occupation during World War II. It is a day to remember and honor those who fought for freedom and to celebrate the island's liberation from oppressive forces.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings the community together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On Guernsey Liberation Day, people come together to celebrate and remember. There are parades, concerts, and other events that allow the community to come together and honor this important day in their history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It serves as a reminder of the importance of freedom</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Guernsey Liberation Day is a reminder that freedom should never be taken for granted. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who came before us and the importance of standing up for our rights and liberties.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Guernsey Still Beholds Physical Imprints of Its Occupation</h3><p class='facts-content'>Some of the fortifications and military infrastructure made by the Germans during the occupation are well-preserved and integrated into the scenic landscape of Guernsey, serving as historical relics.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Guernsey Government Declared a State of Emergency during the Occupation</h3><p class='facts-content'>During the occupation, to maintain order and ensure the welfare of its citizens, the Guernsey government invoked emergency powers which stayed in effect throughout the WWII.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Occupation Diary was Kept Secretly</h3><p class='facts-content'>Ambrose Sherwill, the Bailiff of Guernsey during the liberation, kept a secret diary throughout the occupation detailing the hardships faced by the locals, providing invaluable insights about that period.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Guernsey Hosts a "Commemoration Rock" for Liberation Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Since 1995, there's been a Liberation Day tradition of painting a commemoration rock in celebration. Each year, the rock hosts a new design that captures the spirit of liberation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Guernsey Still Commemorates Occupation through Currency</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Guernsey pound released during the German Occupation, imprinted with the Bailiwick's seal to make it legal tender, is still in circulation today, serving as a historical reminiscence.</p></div></div>
Guernsey Liberation Day is celebrated on May 9 every year. In 2024 Guernsey Liberation Day will occur on a Thursday.
2023
May 9
Tuesday
2024
May 9
Thursday
2025
May 9
Friday
2026
May 9
Saturday
2027
May 9
Sunday
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