A beacon will light the night sky on the Cayman Islands to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
The light will be turned on at the Cayman Turtle Centre in West Bay tonight (Thursday, 8 May) as part of a special ceremony to celebrate the day World War II ended in 1945 and peace was restored.
More than 200 locations across the UK, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands and overseas territories are taking part in the light-up, with some using electric lights and others lighting fires.
Hundreds of men from the Cayman Islands served overseas during the war, while others joined the Jamaica Home Guard, which was set up on Grand Cayman in June 1942 and ran until the end of the campaign.
Altogether, two thirds of the male population of the islands were involved in the war in some capacity.
Tonight’s commemoration – which is open to the public – has been organised by Celebrate Cayman and the Cayman Islands Veterans Association.
Executive chairman of Celebrate, Cayman Alfonso Wright, said: “As we celebrate VE-Day, we not only honour the bravery of our veterans but also reflect on the values of peace and unity that this day represents.
“We encourage everyone to join us in this celebration of freedom and remembrance.”
Among those attending will be Governor Jane Owen and Premier André Ebanks.
