In Pictures: Nation gives thanks to veterans on the 80th anniversary of VE Day

WorldPolitics
8 May 2025 • 9:13 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

Commemorations and thanksgiving services have been held across the country to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

On May 8 1945, the nation celebrated Victory in Europe (VE) Day with church bells ringing out and people gathering to revel in the end of the Second World War.

image is not available

image is not available

image is not available

A service of thanksgiving was held at Westminster Abbey, with veterans and dignitaries among the congregation.

Members of the royal family attended, including the King, the Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

Politicians from across the spectrum also joined the commemoration, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch joined by former prime ministers including Lord David Cameron, Boris Johnson, Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss.

image is not available

image is not available

image is not available

image is not available

A two-minute silence was held at noon and the King and Prince of Wales laid wreaths at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.

The floral tributes were made of seasonal flowers, including pink, white and peach roses, which would have been found in bloom 80 years ago on May 8 1945.

image is not available

image is not available

image is not available

Events are taking place across the country, with services at war memorials and cenotaphs nationwide.

image is not available

image is not available

image is not available

image is not available

image is not available

Veterans attended the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, which hosted a remembrance service and special tea party.

image is not available

image is not available

image is not available

Read More