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VE Day 80 – A time to reflect and reaffirm

Last week, commemorations across the world marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day – the moment the guns finally fell silent in Europe after nearly six long years of brutal conflict.

VE Day was more than a national celebration; it was a profound milestone, born of immense courage and sacrifice. It marked the end of a war that had reshaped lives and communities, and tested the very fabric of our society.

This anniversary gave us an opportunity to honour an extraordinary generation – those who served on land, at sea, and in the air, both at home and abroad – whose bravery laid the foundations for peace and continues to inspire us today.

We remembered all who served in the UK Armed Forces, including the thousands from the Commonwealth and beyond, whose vital contributions must never be forgotten. We also paid tribute to those who supported the war effort on the home front – women and men serving as doctors and nurses, factory and farm workers, codebreakers, transport drivers and so many others. Their determination and spirit were essential to the nation’s resilience.

While VE Day brought joy and relief, it was also shadowed by deep sorrow. Families had been torn apart, and cities lay in ruins. And although the conflict in Europe had ended, the war in the Far East continued until August. Many carried the burdens of loss, injury, and trauma for years to come, and the work of rebuilding – physically and emotionally – had only just begun.

Over the past week, I’ve had the honour of attending commemorative events that invited reflection and paid heartfelt tribute to those who met these challenges with courage and strength.

At the Central Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Glasgow, I joined an interfaith service organised by Colourful Heritage, recognising the extraordinary contribution of the 2.5 million South Asian volunteers who served alongside British forces. It was a privilege to stand alongside guests of all faiths from across the Serving, civilian, and veteran communities in a spirit of remembrance and unity.

At the Usher Hall in Edinburgh, I attended Scotland’s Salute to VE Day – a beautifully staged evening of music, drama, and storytelling that brought the experiences of wartime Britain vividly to life. I was especially honoured to meet former Wren Margaret Landels and D Day Veteran Charlie Horne, who were among eight WWII veterans present – each a living testament to the legacy we gathered to commemorate.

On the anniversary itself, I attended a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, in the presence of Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family. The service was a powerful and dignified expression of the nation’s gratitude to all who gave so much in pursuit of peace and freedom.

Commemorations continued into the weekend with a special gathering at the Admiral Ramsay Museum in Coldstream. The event featured a two-minute silence, a stirring performance by the Coldstream Pipe Band, thoughtful speeches from Admiral Ramsay’s grandson and Lieutenant General John Cooper, CB, DSO, MBE , and a deeply touching reading by the daughter of a museum volunteer of a letter written by her grandmother to her grandfather on VE Day,  giving a unique contemporary account.

These events, held across the UK and beyond, brought together people of all generations and backgrounds – united in remembrance, in gratitude, and in a shared commitment to keeping these stories alive.

Together with my fellow Veterans Commissioners for Wales and Northern Ireland, I also issued a joint statement to honour our Second World War veterans, to pay tribute to all who have served since, and to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring veterans and their families are always supported and never disadvantaged by their service.

As we reflect on VE Day 80, we do so not just with remembrance, but with purpose. We owe it to those who served in the past to support those who serve today – and to ensure that every veteran, now and in the future, is recognised, respected and valued.