The Queen's message on the 70th anniversary of liberation of Jersey

A message to The Bailiwick of Jersey from Her Majesty The Queen on the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of Liberation

To the members of the States of Jersey and my most loyal people in that Bailiwick I send greetings on this the seventieth anniversary of the day of their liberation from enemy occupation.

I remember well the pleasure that my parents took in being able to visit Jersey on 7th June 1945, one month after Liberation, and the pleasure that I had in attending with Prince Philip the 60th anniversary of Liberation Day in 2005. The loyalty and support which I have received from the people of Jersey has been most gratifying and I am delighted that The Countess of Wessex is able to represent me on this very special occasion.

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary we remember the many who suffered during the occupation of the Channel Islands, with all the hardships that went with that including food shortages, deprivations of liberty and restrictions on ordinary everyday life. And we remember all those who left the Island in 1940 and were unable to see their families left behind or regain their homes for the next five years; all those who left to join the service of Our Armed Forces; and all those who were deported to Germany. Today is a day for all the survivors of that generation and for the people of Jersey, young and old, to come together to give thanks for the success of the Allied Forces and the Liberation of the Island and to pass on the spirit of reconciliation to future generations.

ELIZABETH R