Britain will come together next year to say a big thank you to the greatest generation to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
Victory in Europe Day on May 8 is etched in the memory of everyone who witnessed it.
VE Day marks the formal acceptance of Germany’s unconditional surrender in 1945, while Victory over Japan Day on August 15 is the day on which Imperial Japan surrendered, effectively bringing the war to an end.
On May 8, Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced on the radio at 3pm that the war in Europe had ended following Germany’s surrender the day before.
To celebrate, people dressed in red, white, and blue held street parties in a jubilant celebration while crowds gathered in Trafalgar Square.
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To mark the very special 80th anniversary, Britain is considering a new four-day bank holiday to commemorate the anniversary of World War II, honour the 450,000 British lives lost, and express gratitude to those who fought.
Next year will likely be the last chance for our 1939-45 veterans, of whom around 70,000 are still alive, to attend commemorations in their honour.
No decision has been made on which summertime weekend would effectively be extended to four days, but an announcement is imminent.
Potential dates include May 9-12 or an extended summer bank holiday weekend in August.
Market Garden Veteran Geoff Roberts, 99, who was captured in the airborne assault on Arnhem in 1944 and held as a prisoner of war, said: “I think it’s very important in these current times we remember those that gave their lives for our freedom and peace in Europe. We should never forget them. Maybe an extra bank holiday will help to remind people about what’s happened in the past.”
Do you think Brits should get an extra bank holiday next year to mark the occasion?
