Published: Tuesday, 23rd July 2019
The 100th anniversary of Peace Day was marked in King’s Lynn Library on Friday 19 July.
Although the signing of the Armistice in November 1918 had marked the end of fighting on the western front. The Armistice was not, however, when the War officially ended, as treaty negotiations at Versailles continued into 1919.
Once negotiations were nearing their end, Britain declared the 19 July 1919 as a public holiday. In King’s Lynn there was a procession along the high street, children’s demonstrations in the Tuesday Market Place and a children’s tea party in the Walks.
To commemorate the centenary, children were asked at the annual Spring Plant and Craft Fair to create their own poppy pictures, some of the kids from King’s Lynn Nursery also contributed their pictures.
These were displayed, among other documents, at King’s Lynn Library to mark the day.
Councillor Elizabeth Nockolds, Deputy Leader and portfolio holder for culture, heritage and health at the Borough Council, said: “The display in King’s Lynn library, with contributions from children as young as 3, is a wonderful way to commemorate this event.
“I’m also delighted that the borough council has entered into a Deed of Dedication with Fields in Trust to designate Tower Gardens a Centenary Field. The programme was delivered in partnership with The Royal British Legion to protect parks and green spaces in perpetuity, honouring the memory of the millions who lost their lives in World War I.”
The display will remain on show at King’s Lynn Library until 31 July.