WATCH: "So much about this island today is built on a spirit of service"

Thursday 09 May 2024

From frontline and charity sector workers to the island's filter-in-turn traffic system, the Bailiff praised the "quintessentially Jersey thing" of service in his Liberation Day speech.

One of the themes of Liberation Day this year is the importance of service.

Addressing crowds in Liberation Square, Bailiff Timothy Le Cocq said: "The freedoms we enjoy today could not have happened if men and women had not put on uniforms and put themselves in harm’s way to fight for a greater cause.

"That was service of the highest order but to a very great extent I believe so much about this island today is built on a spirit of service."

Video: The Bailiff praised the service of health and care workers during his speech, which you can watch above.

The Bailiff paid homage to the modern day service of emergency services, health and care workers, and those in vocational roles such as in education.

Sir Timothy said: "Honorary service is deeply embedded into Jersey life and the parochial system of which we may be very proud indeed depends upon honorary service for its life blood. 

"That is a quintessentially Jersey thing – honorary service – and our community in all its parts is so much the richer for it."

Pictured: "On a lighter note, even our traffic system has a unique filter in turn rule that relies upon taking turns and courtesy to keep the island moving!"

The Bailiff also used his address to acknowledge the island's "enormously rich tradition of charitable and voluntary work", as well as those who "quietly and patiently caring for loved ones at home".

He said: "Each act of service, no matter how small, contributes to our community and strengthens the bonds that unite us.

"Times change but there is a timeless quality to a welcoming smile, a kind word, a helping hand, and courtesy which links us all."

He added: "On a lighter note, even our traffic system has a unique filter in turn rule that relies upon taking turns and courtesy to keep the island moving!"

Pictured: Emma de Gruchy (left) designed the Liberation Day logo based on a story from her grandmother Enid de Gruchy (right).

The Bailiff concluded his speech by paying tribute to Enid de Gruchy, who passed away last month.

Sir Timothy explained that it was Enid's story of receiving a sweet from a soldier on board the SS Vega that inspired her granddaughter, Emma Le Gallais, to create the logo of a soldier giving a sweet to a child which is used to represent Liberation Day.

Pictured: The kind gesture of a British soldier giving a four-year-old girl her first ever sweet inspired the official 'Liberation 75' logo which was designed by the woman’s own granddaughter.

The Bailiff shared some of Enid's own words with the crowd:  “It’s an amazing symbol of being given a gift.

"It is not just a sweet, it’s the gift of freedom that we need to look after and appreciate.

"We need to appreciate the sacrifices that were made for us.”

"True words, and perfect for this day," added Sir Timothy.

The Bailiff's full speech can be found HERE.