80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day
On May 8, 1945, we celebrated the end of the Second World War in Europe. Church bells rang out, a national holiday was declared and people danced in the streets to mark the peace on what has become known as VE Day (Victory in Europe). Then in August, the conflict also ended in the Far East on what has become known as VJ Day (Victory in Japan).
We're invited to mark the 80th anniversary of these events in 2025, in a variety of ways:
- Here is a page on the national Church of England website, with resources such as prayers and a suggested service outline – which can be used on the day or on the Sunday before or after.
- There is also a government website on www.ve-vjday80.gov.uk which includes information about events to mark the 80 years since VE Day and VJ Day (in August), the chance to upload details of your event, and a toolkit to help you publicise it.
National events for VE Day 80
On May 8, a number of events happened across the country. Town criers undertook the VE Day Proclamation, flags were raised in towns and cities. cathedrals and churches rang their bells, and beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace were lit. More details are on www.ve80.com.
Discover how people across our diocese marked the occasion below:
