Today, Asda will mark VE Day by playing the official hymn selected to commemorate the 80th anniversary in its stores, as the retailer joins the rest of the UK in marking the historic occasion.
At 9.30pm, Asda Radio will play I Vow to Thee, My Country across over 500 of its stores – just as Beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace are lit to commemorate the occasion across the country in a national moment of reflection.
A popular hymn with army veterans, the song has been selected by VE Day organisers to be sung across the UK at multiple locations and events from 9.30pm.
Asda will be playing the version recorded by Britain’s Got Talent winner and Chelsea Pensioner Colin Thakery, who will be providing a live rendition as part of VE Day celebrations from a prominent London landmark.
Asda will also be supporting VE Day celebrations through its Community Champions, who will take part in local commemorative events to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and pay tribute in stores and in their communities.
Helen Selby, general counsel and company secretary at Asda and Royal Air Force veteran, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be joining the nation in marking this important occasion in stores, using Asda Radio so that colleagues and customers can pay their respects too.
“Asda is a proud supporter of the armed forces through our recruitment of veterans and through our charity partners, and VE Day is another great opportunity to demonstrate our support while reflecting on the sacrifices many have made for our country”.
Funding from the Asda Foundation will also help to mark the occasion. One of the groups Asda Foundation will support with £1000 of funding is Trafford Veterans in Manchester, who are set to hold a celebratory breakfast event. Funding will go towards purchasing breakfast ingredients, room decorations, commemorative flags, and beverages such as fruit juice, tea, and coffee.
Asda is a proud supporter of the armed forces community, recruiting ex-service personnel every year. Asda has also been a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant since 2014, earning Silver Status in recognition of the retailers’ dedication to supporting military personnel after service.
