Europe and UK Commemorate 80 Years Since VE Day
Today marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, a significant event commemorated across Europe and the UK. In France, solemn ceremonies honoring fallen heroes will take place at war memorials nationwide. Germany celebrates VE Day as a new public holiday, while the UK observes the occasion with a service at Westminster Abbey, featuring a national two-minute silence.
Commemorative events began earlier in the week with military parades and a Royal Air Force flypast, culminating in a major concert at Horse Guards Parade. The concert will see approximately 10,000 attendees, showcasing performances from notable stars like John Newman and dames Joan Collins, Mary Berry, and Sheila Hancock. This event aims to recount the narratives of victory and the enduring legacy of World War II.
The commemorations unfold amidst the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urging allies to unite against Russian aggression. Echoing the sentiments from 80 years ago, he stated, "evil cannot be appeased. It must be fought. Together. Resolutely."
In Scotland, local events include a thanksgiving service at Glasgow Cathedral to honor veterans and remember those who sacrificed during the war. National observances span from Edinburgh Castle being lit in red to a two-minute silence at government buildings.
Taiwan also commemorated VE Day, drawing parallels to contemporary threats from China, with President Lai Ching-te emphasizing the importance of vigilance against authoritarianism.
As Europe collectively reflects on the sacrifices of the wartime generation, it serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of World War II and the ongoing need for unity and peace in today’s challenging geopolitical landscape.
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