The government has announced a four-day celebration for the 80th anniversary of VE Day from May 5 to May 8, featuring a flypast, concert, and a service at Westminster Abbey. The event aims to honor World War II veterans, as many are now elderly and the number is diminishing. Speakers emphasize the importance of sharing veterans' stories and reflecting on the values defended during the war. Activities will include educational programs led by the Royal British Legion and support from Arts Council England to engage communities in this remembrance.
“People across society will be able to hear our veterans' stories first hand, to reflect and remember,” Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said.
“The freedoms we enjoy today were defended by our remarkable Second World War generation. Our duty today is to safeguard the British values they sacrificed so much to uphold,” Defence Secretary John Healey said.
“There was an electric buzz among everyone and eventually the royals came out and waved, and we cheered like crazy waving whatever we had on us,” Ruth Bourne, 98, recounted.
Tara Knights, of the Royal British Legion, said: “We will be running educational and community engagement programmes to encourage everyone to get involved in this momentous occasion.”
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