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The affair was under the patronage, and in the presence of His Excellency, Sir Christopher Mallaby, Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Republic of France. Top honors were shared by Mrs Pamela Harriman, Ambassador of the United States of America, also a republic.
Standard bearers carrying many of the flags of the allies on parade.
It was billed as an enjoyable evening of commemoration and reconciliation; featuring serious religious thoughts, colourful parades, smoked food, warm drink, and considerable entertainment.
The event took place on the grounds of the Standard Atheletic Club, located in the Forest of Meudon, just southwest of Paris. The day had started soft, but got brighter by the start of the open-air service at 6:45 pm. This included a 'parade of standards' featuring the flags of many nations, including Russia.(*)
The entertainment began after the parade. It included the British School of Paris Orchestra and choirs, followed by the Washington, Pennslyvania, Steel Band. However their scheduled program was cut short, as was that of the local 'International Players', who performed a medley of popular war-era songs.
The barbecue.
Meanwhile smoked food was being served for those who love barbecue and long lines formed in front of the salad tent. The light wind that seemed to be blowing mostly down spread the barbecue smell to those at the end of the line, who were seen to absent themselves frequently to replenish their beverages of which there were a great variety available - but alas, neither tea - wot, no tea?! - nor coffee - a refreshing pick-me-up drink sometimes preferred by colonials.
In spite of the many highlights of the evening, some events stood out. The American Ambassador proved herself a good sport by calling out the winning numbers of the lottery, that were handed to her by Her Majesty's Ambassador's wife, Mrs Mallaby, out of slightly used champagne carton; which was fitting as first prize was five bottles of that good fizzy stuff and second prize was a trip to the United Kingdom. Or was it the other way around? In any case, it appeared as if a good number of people had lost their tickets while waiting in the salad line, and a good number of numbers had to be called out - in English and in French by Mrs Harriman - before the lucky winners could be found.
US Ambassador Harriman calls out winning lottary numbers assisted
by Her Majesty's Ambassador's wife, Mrs Mallaby.
By this time the sun had disappeared on its trip to the western hemisphere, and the wind that was blowing downwards took on aspects of a draft from an open refrigerator door.
Luckily at this point, it was time for the highlight of the evening: the lighting of the 'beacon.' This event was timed to coincide with a similar event in Hyde Park in London, where Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was to light this symbol of reconciliation. Actually the 'beacon' at the Standard Atheletic Club resembled a huge pile of second-rate shipping pallets which were conveniently made of dry wood. To this several additives such as some straw that happened to be lying around, fire-starters and white gas were added for luck.
Pyrotechnical experts lit well-prepared torches, and handed them to the two adventurous ladies, Mrs Mallaby and Mrs Harriman, who without further ado, set the towering heap on fire. It was 9:33 pm Paris time as the flames at first hesitated, then set about their task with gusto.
As this was not enough, fireworks followed: which were in turn followed by dancing to the energetic music of the 'Roaring Forties' Band, which played popular favorites from the 1940's to '60's. The bar was still open to take the chill off those who had not dared to get too close to either the barbecues, the bombfire or the fireworks.
As there will only be one 50th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day; it makes sense that those who participated made the most of it and will probably remember it fondly - as the night before they got pneumonia.
Finally, thank you, Ambassadors, and good night.
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Updated 05/95