Remembering VE Day – 80 Years On at the National Memorial Arboretum
We held a commemorative event at the National Memorial Arboretum on Thursday 8th May to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War.
VE Day Tea Party
Around 44 veterans who served their country during the War attended a joyous afternoon of events dedicated to their service and bravery, as the nation thanks those from the Second World War generation still with us today.
They include Britain’s oldest surviving Second World War veteran Donald Rose, who celebrated his 110th birthday on Christmas Eve, as well as veterans who have never told their story before until registering to be with the Royal British Legion on this momentous 80th anniversary.
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The veterans at the Arboretum, who served across the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Air Force, enjoyed a Tea Party attended by Al Carns DSO OBE MC MP, Minister Veterans and People, before a Service of Remembrance hosted by Baroness Floella Benjamin OM DBE. The service featured performances from singers Russell Watson, Carly Paoli and Anthonia Edwards, winner of The Voice UK, and the British Army Band Tidworth, as well as a flypast by a Spitfire and Hurricane.
Around 1,500 guests watched a film of Second World War veterans sharing moving wartime memories, and heartfelt tributes will be played from leading personalities including Angela Rippon, Ian Hislop, Ross Kemp, Stephen Fry, Jeremy Vine and Elaine Paige.
The first few months of 1945 saw the Allied forces in Europe rapidly gain ground and capture hundreds of thousands of prisoners.
As the Allies closed in on a surrounded Berlin, Nazi leader Adolf Hitler committed suicide on the last day of April, and the German forces’ unconditional surrender followed on 7th May.
A newsflash was broadcast to the public announcing the end of the war in Europe and that the next day was declared Victory in Europe (VE) Day (and a public holiday in the UK). Throughout the Allied world, millions celebrated. In Britain, pubs could stay open until late, and red, white and blue bunting could be bought without ration coupons. Streets were filled with singing and dancing, parties and parades. Special thanksgiving services were held.
Yet the joy and relief were tempered by memories of the hundreds of thousands who had died, or were still missing, and concern for those still at war. Brutal fighting continued to rage in east Asia and the Pacific until August.
More than 250,000 Allied Prisoners of War were liberated in Europe, and their repatriation home had to be organised.
As the Allies swept across Europe they uncovered the full horror of the network of concentration and forced labour camps and other locations where six million Jewish people and hundreds of thousands of others had been murdered. Genocide, war and forced population movements created more than 50 million refugees and displaced people in Europe. It would take many months and vast resources to care for and resettle these people.
Yet after years of uncertainty and sacrifice, the people of Europe could face the new challenges of reconstruction and peace.
The Second World War generation changed the course of history, and commenced the rebuilding of an exhausted country in the post war years. These men and women defended the freedoms we enjoy today. We remember their service and sacrifice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration and tickets for the events
Who can attend the service?
If you are a WW2 veteran or have a connection to WW2 and would like to attend the event, please register your interest via the form here: Remembering the end of the Second World War This form will close at 11.59pm on Monday 7th April.
Please note that registering here does not guarantee a ticket to attend. We will be in touch to let you know the outcome of your application by Thursday 10th April.
The National Memorial Arboretum will be open to the public as normal on Thursday 8th May, and visitors will be welcome to watch the commemorative service, Remembering VE Day – 80 Years On, in the grounds.
Visit the website thenma.org.uk/VE-Day-80 or call 01283 245 100 for further information.
Who can attend the VE Day Tea Party?
I missed the registration deadline; can I still attend the commemorative service?
If you did not register your interest on our website, the National Memorial Arboretum will be open to the public as normal on Thursday 8th May, and visitors will be welcome to watch the commemorative service in the grounds, for these visitors seating will be made available on a first come first served basis.
Entry to the National Memorial Arboretum is free, but booking your visit in advance is recommended to guarantee entry on the day, and to save on parking (£5 in advance, £8 on the day). Please use the following link to book parking:
Book Tickets | Plan Your Visit | National Memorial Arboretum
Please note on the day, only registered veterans and their family guests will be permitted into the Royal British Legion hosted area of Aspects.
Can I bring a Standard to parade on VE Day at the Arboretum?
Due to the limited space that will be available on the day and pre-choregraphed service, only invited standards will be permitted to participate in the VE Day service.
Can children attend the commemorative service?
If I am successful in receiving an invitation for the event, when is the RSVP deadline?
If I am successful in securing a ticket, can I bring a guest to the commemorative service?
I was unsuccessful in securing tickets, will there be a reserve list if any tickets become available?
How do I cancel my ticket if I am no longer able to attend?
My nominated guest is no longer able to attend, will I be able to amend the details of my guest?
If more tickets become available, can I apply for more than two tickets?
When will I receive my ticket?
Do I need to print my ticket before arriving or can I show a digital copy of my ticket?
How will I receive my ticket?
Event day questions
What time should I arrive?
Will there be security searches?
Do I need to bring my ID?
Can I bring my own seat?
Can I lay a wreath at the service?
Is the venue accessible?
How can I get to the National Memorial Arboretum?
What is the dress code for the private tea party guests?
The dress code for ticketed guests is day dress or lounge suits. Full size decorations may be worn if desired. Serving personnel attending can wear the following uniform:
RN – No. 1B Dress, RM – No. 1B Dress with Lovats, Army – No. 2 Dress, RAF – No. 1 SD (with medals and leathers, less swords)
What is the dress code for the service of commemoration for the general public?
There is not a dress code for visitors to the Arboretum on 8th May, however, we do advise visitors to wear appropriate clothing for the weather and potential ground conditions.
