Wakefield Council marks VE Day
Thursday, May 08, 2025
Today, our district officially marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
People gathered to pay their respects at the Service of Remembrance at Wakefield War Memorial, where a wreath was laid by Cllr Josie Pritchard, Armed Forces Champion.
Cllr Pritchard said: “On the 80th anniversary of VE Day we paid tribute to those who helped to preserve the freedoms that we all enjoy today. And we remembered the ultimate sacrifice made by so many people during World War II, and other conflicts, to protect our way of life.”
VE Day marked the end of six years of conflict in Europe during World War II, with the German Army surrendering to the Allies on 8 May 1945.
The news resulted in spontaneous celebrations breaking out across the nation. A national holiday was declared and people from all walks of life came together to mark the moment. The Second World War ended a few months later when Imperial Japan surrendered on 2 September 1945.
The 80th anniversary of VE Day is a time for people to come together to learn about the stories of those that served and the VE Day generation. From the servicemen who fought, to children who were evacuated, and women on the home front.