VE DAY 80 - celebrate the future.VE DAY 80 - celebrate the future. We must never forget the selflessness of all those who sacrificed so much to keep us free during WW II.
Undertake the Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW II, using the following words. “TO THOSE WHO GAVE SO MUCH, WE THANK YOU,” using this unique opportunity to pay tribute to the many millions at home and abroad that gave so much to ensure we can all enjoy the freedom we share today.
VE Day 80 community celebrations have been taking place since the bank holiday weekend and commenced on 5th May with the King and Queen, who were joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales, and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, to watch a military procession through London.
The military procession, including Nato allies and more than 1,300 members of the UK armed forces, made its way from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace. The King stood and saluted as the procession reached the Queen Victoria Memorial.
To mark the historic event, the Cenotaph in Whitehall has been draped in a large Union flag - the first time the war memorial has been draped in Union Flags since it was unveiled by King George V more than a century ago, in 1920.
Later, the King and Queen were joined for the VE Day flypast on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch a Lancaster bomber - the most successful RAF heavy bomber of World War Two - lead the VE Day flypast, accompanied by aircraft including fighters jets, transport aircraft and the Red Arrows.
On Tuesday, the Queen viewed an installation of 30,000 ceramic poppies at the Tower of London.
On Wednesday, the Parliament Choir hosted a VE Day concert in Westminster Hall.
A service at Westminster Abbey will begin with a national two-minute silence of remembrance on Thursday 8th May 2025. Churches and cathedrals across the country will also ring their bells at 18:30 BST.
Events will conclude with a concert at Horse Guards Parade, with stars of stage and screen telling the story of victory and the legacy of the Second World War.
The Royal British Legion is calling on people across the UK to join in a moment of reflection and Remembrance on Thursday 8th May, the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, and pause for a Two Minute Silence.
BLESMA is one of the many Military Charities with information on their website who are sharing stories of the Veterans they support.
Together we can still remember, celebrate and honour.
