08/06/2004
World War Two Remembered
Liverpool is marking the 60th anniversary of D-Day with the launch of a special exhibition highlighting life in the city during World War Two.
The exhibition, which starts tomorrow (Wednesday 9th June 2004), will include a display of materials from the city's archive showing what it was like to live through the war in Liverpool, including ration books, guns and medals.
Liverpool sustained heavy attack in the blitz during World War 2, with hundreds of buildings destroyed and thousands of people killed by bombs which were dropped on the city.
Germany had identified Liverpool as one of its key strategic targets because the city's supply lines with America were fundamental to Britain's war effort.
The display at Central Library is being launched tomorrow with the re-creation of a 1940's street party between 1:30pm and 3:30pm. Library staff will be dressed in period costume and there will be 1940's music performed by the Merseyside Police Band.
Central Library manager Kathy Johnson said: "Life for people in Liverpool was extremely difficult during the second world war, and this exhibition recreates the daily struggles and sacrifices they made.
"The landscape of Liverpool was changed forever by the Liverpool blitz, and this display will help to ensure the generations of people born after World War Two can learn more about its impact."
The exhibition also features memories of the blitz which have been collected over the last few months as part of a joint project with the BBC, called the People's War.
It has involved interviews with not only those who actually fought in and lived through the war, but also family members who have been told stories by their parents and grandparents.
The aim of the project was to capture precious memories that are rapidly disappearing, to underline the valuable contribution made to society and history by the war generation. Reminiscence sessions have also taken place in sheltered housing and nursing homes.
The exhibition will run until October 2004.
ENDS
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