Victory in Europe Day, generally known as VE Day, is a day celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, 8 May 1945
Did you know?
- Between 50 – 60 million people died in WW2
- Out of those deaths, 45 million were civilians
- Nearly 18 million service personnel were killed on the battlefields in Europe, including 11 million Allies
As we face some of the most challenging times since the end of the Second World War, now more than ever it is important to unite in recognition of service to the nation, just as communities did 75 years ago.
Here at Alcumus we are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant and have many ex-service personnel as valued colleagues.
What does VE Day mean to you and how will you be spending it?
“I think VE day is as important as ever, the scale of the sacrifice and the number of lives lost is something that we should never forget. Although it was still a painful time, it is worth celebrating the individual contributions and courage of so many. We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid and the least we can do is recognise their sacrifice and give our thanks, which I'll be doing on the day.”
Sarah Lewis, Bid Manager
“With VE Day currently approaching on Friday 8th May, many people will be thinking of those grainy black and white newsreels, scenes of wild celebration and street parties after the allied forces defeated the Nazi war machine. This being the 75th Anniversary, we should have been celebrating with street parties, parades and concerts, but due to the current and real battle the UK and Europe face once again due to the coronavirus outbreak, this will unfortunately be cancelled as we face a new foe. It is important to me as a veteran of 24 years’ service to remember VE day during these difficult times, I will be thinking about those who never returned, that have paid the ultimate price. I will be thinking about those currently enduring hardship in a foreign country on our behalf and those who are about to. Due to my service, all these people are real to me. In short, to me, VE Day is about thinking of those who still face that reality and thanking those that I never had the privilege to meet for the freedoms we all enjoy today. The day for me will be spent in quiet reflection and raising a glass to all those brave men and woman of the allied forces.”
Christian Perry, Lead Auditor
“VE day is a strange day - a day to celebrate and a day of reflection. It really is difficult to comprehend the sheer scale of the lives lost and the effort required to overcome fascism. Personally, I will be standing quietly for a 2-minute silence at 11am and raising a glass to honour all those that were involved.”
John Howells, Auditor
“The 75th Anniversary of VE day should be celebrated by our great nation and its people. Whilst it does offer a time for reflection, it should not be a sombre affair- we have Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day in November for this.
Friday 8th May 2020 should be all about being proud to be British, to remember what our country (and our allies) achieved through such austere, demanding and sacrificing times. It should be a day of cheer, nostalgia and celebration. After leaving the Armed Forces myself this year, after 25 years of service, I feel immense pride and patriotism; I will be spending the day educating my children on the history of our great nation and how special they should feel being British.”
Steven Ware, Lead Auditor
On the 75th anniversary of VE Day, let us:
- Give thanks to the Second World War generation for protecting the freedoms, democracy and ways of life we enjoy today
- Remember the bravery, service and sacrifice of the armed forces who fought in the war; those who lost their lives and those who didn’t have a home to return to
Spare thought to those who contributed to the war effort, including emergency services, families and civilians
