Robert MacRae delivers first Jersey Liberation Day address
Updated
Updated · bailiwickexpress.com · May 9
Robert MacRae delivers first Jersey Liberation Day address
6 articles · Updated · bailiwickexpress.com · May 9
Marking the 81st anniversary on 9 May, Jersey's Bailiff honoured islanders who endured five years of German Occupation and urged younger generations to carry remembrance forward.
He welcomed German Ambassador Susanne Baumann and other European guests, saying post-war peace, tolerance and human rights must be protected against the intolerance and brutality seen under Nazi rule.
MacRae said schools across Jersey now teach Occupation and Liberation history more fully, helping preserve islanders' stories as first-hand memories fade and annual commemorations continue.
Can a £4m investment in WWII heritage sites truly reverse Jersey's declining modern tourism trends?
With new US Navy and Uzbek hero stories emerging, what other hidden WWII histories might Jersey still hold?
Marking 81 Years of Freedom: Robert MacRae’s First Liberation Day Address and Jersey’s Enduring Commemoration
Overview
Liberation Day 2026 was a landmark event for Jersey, beginning with a special sitting of the States Assembly in Liberation Square. Robert MacRae, in his first year as Bailiff, played a central role by delivering two key addresses—first as Presiding Officer and then as Bailiff—setting a respectful and hopeful tone for the day. The ceremony also featured an address by Connétable Philip Le Sueur and a Service of Thanksgiving led by The Dean of Jersey. These official proceedings highlighted the importance of remembrance, unity, and the enduring spirit of the island community.