What is VE Day?
VE Day stands for Victory in Europe Day, and it marks the official end of World War II in Europe. On May 8, 1945, people across Europe and the Allied nations celebrated the defeat of Nazi Germany after nearly six years of war.
For millions of people, it was a moment of huge relief and joy. Cities like London, Paris, and New York burst into spontaneous celebrations. Crowds gathered in the streets, waving flags, dancing, and cheering. In the UK, King George VI gave a radio broadcast, and Prime Minister Winston Churchill made a famous speech to the nation:
May 8, 1945. London.
“My dear friends, this is your hour. This is not victory of a party or of any class. It’s a victory of the great British nation as a whole. We were the first, in this ancient island, to draw the sword against tyranny. After a while we were left all alone against the most tremendous military power that has been seen. We were all alone for a whole year.
There we stood, alone. Did anyone want to give in? [The crowd shouted “No.”] Were we down-hearted? [“No!”] The lights went out and the bombs came down. But every man, woman and child in the country had no thought of quitting the struggle. London can take it. So we came back after long months from the jaws of death, out of the mouth of hell, while all the world wondered. When shall the reputation and faith of this generation of English men and women fail? I say that in the long years to come not only will the people of this island but of the world, wherever the bird of freedom chirps in human hearts, look back to what we’ve done and they will say “do not despair, do not yield to violence and tyranny, march straightforward and die if need be-unconquered.” Now we have emerged from one deadly struggle-a terrible foe has been cast on the ground and awaits our judgment and our mercy.
But there is another foe who occupies large portions of the British Empire, a foe stained with cruelty and greed-the Japanese. I rejoice we can all take a night off today and another day tomorrow. Tomorrow our great Russian allies will also be celebrating victory and after that we must begin the task of rebuilding our hearth and homes, doing our utmost to make this country a land in which all have a chance, in which all have a duty, and we must turn ourselves to fulfill our duty to our own countrymen, and to our gallant allies of the United States who were so foully and treacherously attacked by Japan. We will go hand and hand with them. Even if it is a hard struggle we will not be the ones who will fail.”
Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) joined the crowds in London to celebrate.
Why was VE Day so important?
World War II had been one of the most destructive conflicts in history. Tens of millions of people died, including soldiers and civilians. Many countries had been bombed, occupied, or torn apart. When Germany finally surrendered, it meant that the suffering in Europe could begin to end.
However, it’s important to remember that the war was not yet over everywhere. Fighting in the Pacific continued until August 1945, when Japan surrendered after the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
How is VE Day remembered today?
VE Day is remembered with parades, ceremonies, and moments of silence. In the UK, there are often events at war memorials and special broadcasts on TV and radio. The day is also a time to learn about history, reflect on the sacrifices people made, and think about the importance of peace.
In 2020, for the 75th anniversary of VE Day, people across the UK marked the occasion from their homes because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the restrictions, many joined in with national singalongs and virtual events.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day and many ceremonies have taken place. On Sunday 5th May the famous acrobatic arm of the RAF, the Red Arrows, flew over Buckingham palace as part of the VE Day celebrations and King Charles hosted a tea party for the veterans of WW2. On the 7th May there was a Victory in Europe Day Anniversary Concert in the famous Westminster Hall at the Palace of Westminster in central London. On the actual anniversary a service was held in Westminster Abbey to give thanks to and remember those who died during the conflict, and a celebration of the end of the war. The events were brought to a close with a huge concert at the historic Horse Guards Parade later that day, and 10,000 members of the public were able to get tickets. As well as musicians, there was theatre and films to help tell the story of victory and the impact of the Second World War in Europe. While elsewhere in London, at the Royal Albert Hall, the party atmosphere continued with music, dancing and first-hand stories from people who remember VE Day all the way back in 1945.
Why should we still learn about VE Day?
VE Day reminds us of the cost of war and the value of peace. It teaches us about courage, unity, and how nations can come together to defeat tyranny. For young people today, it’s a chance to connect with history and understand how the past still shapes our world.
By remembering VE Day, we honour those who lived through one of the darkest times in human history—and celebrate the hope that came with the end of it.
