VE Day commemorated by Avanti West Coast

• Trains sound their horns as part of an industry wide salute
• Avanti West Coast staff observed two minute silence at 11am

Avanti West Coast commemorated the 75^th anniversary of VE Day by taking part in an industry wide salute as part of the occasion.

Proud to share this from Euston today. Trains across the UK sounded their horns at 3pm to mark #VEDay75 and pay homage to those who gave so much during the Second World War. pic.twitter.com/WtdcVK7vhp

— Avanti West Coast (@AvantiWestCoast) May 8, 2020

Pendolino and Voyager trains from across the West Coast Main Line sounded their horns at 3pm to remember those who gave so much during the Second World War.

The tribute  marked the moment at 3pm on 8 May 1945, when British Prime Minister Winston Churchill addressed the nation to announce the surrender of Germany, bringing the war in Europe to an end.

The rail industry has also used this historic occasion to pay homage to those who worked on Britain’s railways during the Second World War.

Back then, just like today, the railways played a crucial role in keeping the nation moving at a time of crisis.

Image: Staff at Preston Station observing the two-minute silence.

Other train operators across the country also joined Avanti West Coast to take part in the gesture of respect.

Earlier in the day, Avanti West Coast employees across the network observed a two-minute silence at 11am in memory of those who fought and died in the conflict.

Paul Makepeace, Head of Drivers at Avanti West Coast, who helped organise the salute, said: “It was an honour to be part of such a unique tribute to those who served in the Second World War.

“They should never be forgotten, and we salute them. It was great the industry came together in this way to mark VE Day and is especially poignant in these current times.”