VE Day at 80: A Quiet Commemoration for a Historic Victory
Britain knows how to throw a big party when it wants to. Think about the pageantry of royal weddings, the waves of Union Jacks lining streets for jubilees, or the blanket TV coverage of a coronation. So you’d expect the VE Day 80th anniversary—the end of World War II in Europe, no less—to get a similar national treatment. Strangely, that's not what’s happening.
The government’s plans for this year’s milestone floated out barely a month before the actual day, leaving many scratching their heads. They’re offering a four-day schedule: pubs can stay open until 1am, there's going to be an RAF flypast, a public reading of Winston Churchill’s famous victory speech, a march from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace, and a royal-themed street party on The Mall. On paper, it ticks some boxes—parades, pomp, and public gatherings. But the feeling on the ground? It all seems thrown together and rushed.
When you look at how far ahead Britain starts preparing for other occasions, the difference is glaring. For Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, there were months of build-up, school children making bunting, communities rehearsing their own parades, and whole supermarket aisles dedicated to cucumber sandwiches. By comparison, VE Day 2025 risks being overshadowed by its own last-minute announcement.
Missing the Mark on National Memory
This isn't just about missing out on an epic street party. It's about what the anniversary really means for British identity, especially now when national values and Britain’s place in the world are regular topics of debate—think immigration, multiculturalism, and what still unites the country. VE Day is not just for history buffs or elderly war veterans; it’s a touchstone for stories of sacrifice, resilience, and unity that shaped the country we know today. You'd think the government would jump at the chance to remind people of that.
Instead, the event almost feels like an afterthought. There’s no nationwide campaign, no coordinated school events, just a patchwork of announcements and a few television specials likely filling in the gaps. People across Britain are left asking why such a momentous anniversary, one that marks the end of conflict for millions and the beginning of peace in Europe, isn’t getting the build-up and pride it deserves.
To some, the muted response speaks volumes about where Britain’s priorities are right now. Without the sustained national focus, the 80th anniversary risks becoming another ordinary bank holiday—extended pub hours and all—rather than a time for the country to come together, reflect on its past, and celebrate its hard-won peace. For those who grew up hearing stories of VE Day from parents and grandparents, that feels like a missed opportunity. Even for those less tuned in to history, a properly planned national celebration could have offered a rare moment of unity at a time when the country often feels so divided.