Every year, on 9 May, Liberation Day fills the Island with a sense of pride and remembrance, marking the end of a tumultuous chapter in Jersey's history.
For nearly five years, Jersey endured the weight of German occupation, until British troops liberated the Island in 1945, the day after Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), which saw an end to the hostilities of World War II in Europe.
Winston Churchill’s speech in the House of Commons was broadcast live to the Royal Square, as he announced, “Our dear Channel Islands are also to be freed today.” The Island erupted into celebration as the Union flag was raised over the States Chamber and Royal Court Building.
The Bailiff, Alexander Coutanche, then announced that the Royal Navy was on its way from the United Kingdom to arrange the surrender of the Islands by the occupying forces. British troops finally landed in Jersey on 9 May – Liberation Day. Since then, 9 May has become a day of communal commemoration, with celebrations being held all over the Island.
An established part of the annual proceedings has been a special meeting of the States Assembly. This tradition began with meetings of the Assembly to mark important anniversaries of the Liberation through messages to the Queen, and developed into the annual meeting of the Assembly that we know today.
During these special meetings, one elected States Member is chosen to deliver a Liberation Day address, and this year, it will be the Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Farnham. The Liberation Day meetings of the Assembly are very different to the usual States meetings, as the sole item of business is the Liberation Day address of the nominated member, and since 2017, it has been streamed to Liberation Square and the Weighbridge. It is also possible to watch the meeting live on the States Assembly broadcasting channel, wherever you are in the world.
Over the years, the meetings have been attended by representatives from across the world, including Germany, Madeira, Spain, Portugal, Poland, France, the Isle of Man, Russia, Belarus, the UK and the Cayman Islands. On occasion, members of the Royal Family have also been in attendance for the Liberation Day celebrations, for example her Majesty the Queen was in Jersey in 2005 for the 60th anniversary, and her speech can be found here.
Join us on Thursday 9 May at 10:30am, to witness the Liberation Day meeting, commemorating Jersey's resilience and unity: