There are many national days of remembrance, with the most obvious and highly poignant date being Remembrance Sunday which commemorates the contribution of British and Commonwealth military in the two World Wars and later conflicts. However, an important day of celebration that is just around the corner is V.E Day.
On May 8, 1945, millions of people rejoiced as the Allied Nations in Europe secured victory after Nazi Germany had surrendered. VE Day - which stands for ‘Victory in Europe’ Day - marks the day when the German armed forces signed an unconditional surrender, and brought World War II to an end after six years.
In London, huge crowds massed in Trafalgar Square and all the way up to Buckingham Palace where King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, joined by Prime Minister Winston Churchill, appeared on the balcony of the Palace. Since then, VE Day is marked annually on the May 8 across Europe.
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In recent years, the Queen normally joins thousands of veterans and their families in a service at Westminster Abbey, before a military parade takes place passes through to Buckingham Palace. In 2020, celebrations for the 75th anniversary of VE Day were largely scrapped due to the Coronavirus pandemic. With social distancing restrictions in place, there were no parades or street parties allowed.
However, there was a televised address by the Queen to the nation and many households celebrated in their front gardens during national lockdown. During VE Day 2020, Lord Speaker Lord Fowler said: "Even in these uncertain times it is important that we mark the 75th anniversary of the end of Nazism and hostilities in Europe.
"Untold millions of service men and women, as well as civilians, died in the Second World War. We should never forget them. Their personal sacrifice secured a better future for us all."
This year, local events will resume across the country to commemorate VE Day. Wreath-laying ceremonies, thanksgiving services, street parties and concerts are some of the many events that are set to be held.
