VE Day marked the end of the World War Two in Europe and was commemorated today as best as people could bearing in mind the lock-down. It must have been an extraordinary day all those years ago, although the war against Japan continued with appalling losses on both sides. Celebrations included a televised address by the Queen, who continues to reign with the affection of her subjects. It was a Bank Holiday Friday and I decided to hop on my motorbike and drove to the Cenotaph in Weymouth to pay my respects to all whose died with a two minute silence. As a former soldier, I wanted to be somewhere in my constituency where I could pay my respects properly. Cllr Christine James was there, a having organised a small service which was streamed on line. A Major from the army and a bugler were also present, the latter playing the Last Post. As he did so, several residents walking along the Promenade stopped and paid their respects. Out in the harbour, four huge cruise ships, including Queen Mary Two, lay at anchor. I was told it was cheaper to anchor there than dock at Southampton. What a ghastly time for this marine industry. At the end of the short service, I chatted to two paramedics, who showed me their latest mask. Made in the US, fresh air is pumped into the mask from a container strapped to a belt on their waist. It was a pleasure to meet them and I thanked them for all that they are doing. We are hearing that any lifting of the lock-down will be modest when the PM makes his statement on Sunday evening. We need to get people back to work wherever we can.