May 25,1945

May25,1945 stands out in  the minds of people who lived through WW11. It was on this day that the war officially ended in Europe. For we who lived along the Atlantic Coast there was special meaning as the war was very close to them.

Blackout curtains were mandatory and at sunset wardens prowled the streets in our town and every town along the coast to make sure no light was showing. Wardens were ordinary citizens who worked the nights to help the war effort. German submarines were patrolling the East Coast looking for shipping that could be a target.

During the war street lights were never used and automobile lights had shields to lessen the chance they might be seen. We in public schools had gas masks under our desks and air raid drills were held. As a child I never felt the horror of the war except through our parents and neighbors when a reported war  death occurred. The youngest of our uncles ,Purvis was killed in Europe and I remember the sorrow in our home and Ma Vickers' house when the news was delivered by the Army Officer.

This day was different however as the news broke out a town celebration was in order and I remember clearly our family travelling up the Lane hand in hand to be with all the people of our town to witness the turning on of the lights for the first time since the beginning of the war. I was only eight but this occasion was treated so seriously it has remained in my mind until this day.

As thousands of Sydney Miners crowded the streets in front of the Post Office the Mayor and other important people made short speeches and as the sun sunk and the town was dark there was a count down and on one the lights all over town went on to a massive cheer that could be heard for miles.

Chatter among friends and yells of joy swept the town and we again felt that we were free to live in the light and not worry. That night as we returned home after the fireworks Mom was very quiet as we passed Grandma's home because the war would never be over for her who lost her son.

Yes that was a great day and we all felt free and the country returned to rebuilding itself after the horrors of war and the loss of so many men and women who died protecting freedom.