Liberation Day States Assembly
9th May 2020
Saturday 9th May 2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of the Channel Islands. States Members joined in the celebrations by participating in the first virtual States Sitting for Liberation Day.
The Bailiff, the Deputy Bailiff, His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, The Dean of Jersey, The Greffier of the States, Deputy Viscount Mark Harris, Connétable Simon Crowcroft, and the Chief Usher attended the States Chamber, whilst other States Members participated virtually.
The Dean of Jersey opened the events with the traditional prayers and the Bailiff Timothy Le Cocq presented his Liberation Day address, in the same place Lord Coutanche gave his address 75 years ago, to mark the special location.
Sir Alexander Coutanche was the Bailiff who led Jersey's Occupation Government, he later received a Knighthood and a Peerage. The Dean of Jersey also celebrated Liberation Day by giving his prayers and words of thanks from the grounds of the Town Church.
Connétable Simon Crowcroft then shared stories he had heard from the residents of Jersey who had been present during the Liberation. The Connétable of St Helier also spoke of the locally driven efforts that have taken place over the years to remember those who lost their lives and spoke of how he hopes this will continue for years to come and that the celebrations intended to mark the 75th Anniversary can take place in the coming years.
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