Celebrating VE Day

Crowds at Trafalgar Square, London, celebrating VE Day 75 years ago

Today we are marking the 75th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day). VE Day is a day where we commemorate the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender. This took place 75 years ago today, in 1945.

Upon the defeat of Germany, celebrations erupted throughout the western world, especially in the UK and North America. In the UK, over 1 million people took to the streets to celebrate. In London, crowds joined together in Trafalgar Square, such company included King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and Winston Churchill.

Unfortunately, because of the Coronavirus pandemic, the big plans that the UK had initially set out to do to mark the 75th anniversary won’t be going ahead.

Included in the plans was a procession down The Mall and a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.

However, we can all still mark the occasion and give our thanks to our heroes:

• A 2 minute silence will take place at 11am to reflect on the sacrifice of those who fought

• At 3pm, Britons are being invited to take to their doorsteps to raise a glass, cheer and clap during The Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of World War Two.

Here at Greens Solicitors, our entire team will all be taking part in these moments of reflection and celebration at home – we hope you will too.