Across the globe, events are being held to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
- Advertisement -
In the UK, King Charles and Prince William participated in a poignant ceremony at Westminster Abbey, where they laid wreaths as part of a four-day commemorative event. This thanksgiving service began with a solemn two-minute silence, observed nationwide, to honor the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany that took place on May 8, 1945.
Standing with military medals proudly displayed, the King and Prince William laid wreaths at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, paying tribute to the brave souls who sacrificed their lives during World War II. “We remember not just the loss, but also the valor that defined a generation,” they seemed to convey through their actions.
At a defense conference in London, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described this day as “a celebration of defiance, sacrifice, and courage.” He emphasized, “This victory represents not only Britain but the triumph of good over the forces of hatred, tyranny, and evil.”
Meanwhile, in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin marked the occasion by referring to the “sacred” victory over Adolf Hitler. He claimed that Russia stands firm against “neo-Nazism,” an assertion that the current conflict in Ukraine strongly disputes. Amid these declarations, President Xi Jinping of China joined Russia in their commemorative ceremonies.
In France, President Emmanuel Macron laid a wreath at the statue of wartime hero Charles de Gaulle in Paris. He was set to inspect a troop parade at the Arc de Triomphe, accompanied by dozens of World War II-era vehicles parading down the iconic Champs-Élysées avenue.
Over in Berlin, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier planned to address the Bundestag in a special remembrance session, acknowledging the sacrifices made by countless individuals during the war.
This year’s Anniversary of VE Day holds a special significance as it may be one of the last major celebrations attended by living veterans, many of whom are now in their 90s or older. At Westminster Abbey, British veterans were honored, and afterward, Charles and Queen Camilla greeted them before senior royals laid flowers at a nearby memorial.
A grand military parade and a flyover near Buckingham Palace further commemorated this important day. Later, 10,000 attendees will gather at Horse Guards Parade for a concert celebrating both music and the incredible stories of veterans.
Events were also held across Ireland to honor the thousands of Irish soldiers who fought and died in World War II. At the Irish National War Memorial Gardens in Dublin, a gathering held a minute of silence, followed by remarks from Paul Stephenson, Chairman of the Royal British Legion in the Republic of Ireland. “As we celebrate the triumph of liberty over oppression,” he said, “we must also reflect on the immense cost of victory—over 70 million lives lost, each a unique story extinguished too soon.”
Stephenson continued, “Among them were up to 10,000 Irish men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, stepping forward from towns and villages across Ireland to serve in various capacities.” He poignantly added, “Their bravery lay not only in their actions but also in their willingness to fight for a cause greater than themselves.”
In a moment of remembrance, Jim Kearns of the Dublin Central Branch Royal British Legion laid a poppy wreath at the foot of the War Stone, which bears the inscription, “Their Name Liveth for Evermore.” It’s essential to remember that Ireland maintained a policy of neutrality during World War II, and many returning veterans kept their participation shrouded in silence.
Reflecting on these forgotten narratives, Stephenson shared, “My own uncle served in the Second World War, but it was never spoken about. A photograph of him in uniform remained a quiet reminder of a chapter never discussed.”
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn remarked on the opportunity to remember “the tremendous sacrifices made by that great generation” at the conclusion of World War II in Europe.
In a colorful display of solidarity, several landmark buildings in Belfast, including City Hall and Parliament Buildings, were illuminated in red and blue to honor VE Day. This afternoon, beacons will light up across various locations including Bangor, Newtownards, Lisburn, Armagh, Enniskillen, Coleraine, Derry, and Coleraine.
Mr. Benn participated in a series of visits throughout the region, officially inaugurating a World War II exhibition at Antrim Castle Gardens before visiting the Ulster Aviation Society to meet veteran Fred Jennings.
As we reflect on these significant commemorations, we acknowledge the lasting impact of those who served, ensuring that their stories endure for generations to come.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
