VE Day at 80: are we forgetting the day that changed Europe forever?
3-4 minute read
By Ellie Ayton | May 7, 2025
In May 1945 the streets of Britain pulsed with life. Flags unfurled, voices sang in unison, and strangers embraced in spontaneous joy. But 80 years on, are we in danger of letting VE Day become forgotten history?
It’s vital we remember moments that shaped our nation’s history. The Second World War affected every family, every street.
Eight decades later, how are we remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who made it home, and those who lived through a country under the shadow of warfare?
Here at Findmypast, we’re striving to ensure every story is remembered. But we all may have some work to do, as worrying stats show that VE Day might be falling out of our country’s memory…
What is VE Day?
Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day, marked the end of the Second World War in Europe on 8 May 1945, a moment etched into the collective memory of a nation.
It wasn’t quite the end of the war altogether, however. That would come with Japan’s surrender and Victory Over Japan Day, remembered on 15 August.
Yet, as we approach VE Day’s 80th anniversary, a recent study reveals a startling truth: nearly half of Brits don't know when VE Day took place.
Public awareness of this key moment in history reflects a possible decline in public awareness of our nation’s history:
- 46% of Brits don’t know the date of VE Day
- 10% don’t know what “VE” stands for
- 47% are unaware of how their relatives celebrated VE Day in 1945
This raises a poignant question: are we letting our shared past, one of our nation’s proudest moments, fade away?
And if so, do we need to make our history more accessible and more personal? How can we ensure these stories are preserved?
VE Day: a moment in time
Imagine the relief that swept across Europe in May 1945. After nearly six years of relentless conflict, the announcement of Nazi Germany's surrender was met with an outpouring of emotion.
The people of Bath take to the streets to celebrate VE Day, pictured in the Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 12 May 1945.
In London, crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace, cheering as King George VI and Prime Minister Winston Churchill appeared on the balcony. The air was thick with jubilation, a collective sigh of relief from a nation weary of war.
Princess Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, King George VI, and Princess Margaret appear on Buckingham Palace’s balcony on VE Day in 1945. Pictured in the Findmypast Photo Collection.
Across the country, celebrations took various forms. In Trafalgar Square, people danced and sang, while in smaller towns, communities lit bonfires and held street parties.
The sense of unity was palpable, a testament to the resilience and spirit of the British people.
Are we forgetting VE Day?
With 70% of those under 25 not knowing what VE Day stands for, this decline in awareness is concerning, particularly as the number of living veterans dwindles with every anniversary that passes.
By the time of the 90th anniversary in 2035, there will likely be no veterans left alive to share their firsthand memories.
Yet, there are efforts to keep the memory alive.
Veterans like 99-year-old Pat Owtram, a former Women's Royal Naval Service (WRENS) member and wartime codebreaker, are sharing their stories to ensure future generations understand the sacrifices made.
Historians and organisations are also working to preserve wartime archives, emphasising the importance of remembering the past to inform our future. Our partners at the British Library have been examining history's headlines to see how this momentous occasion made the news.
Here at Findmypast, we’ve created a special Collection of VE Day photographs, documenting the celebrations and moments that made the day so special.
And if you’ve spotted a familiar face captured in print, we’d love to hear from you. Send us an email to [email protected] with all the details.
Honouring VE Day's past and shaping its future
Despite the fading memories, there remains a desire to honour VE Day. In recent commemorations, the Royal Family has played a prominent role, and across the country parties and events are being held to celebrate.
Findmypast is contributing to this endeavour by launching our special VE Day photo archive, encouraging individuals to share their families’ wartime stories. This initiative aims to create a collective historical record for future generations, ensuring that the legacy of those who lived through the war is preserved.
As we reflect on the 80th anniversary of VE Day, it's clear that while the memories may be fading, the significance of the day endures.
By engaging with our history, sharing stories, and participating in commemorations, we honour those who fought for freedom and ensure that their legacy continues to inspire future generations.
How can you help ensure VE Day is remembered?
- Ask your older relatives questions about their experiences during the Second World War and VE Day.
- Delve into stories from veterans and explore their first-hand accounts.
- Discover stories that didn't make the history books with local newspapers.
- Get involved in events put on by your town and community to keep the memories alive.
How did your town celebrate Victory in Europe? Parties on every corner. Joy replaced fear. Hope for the future.
Delve deep into our vast newspaper archives to discover the stories behind the smiles. Families torn apart. Neighbours keeping calm and carrying on. Britain changed forever. And at your local victory bash, unshakeable air raid wardens, nurses and firefighters, your street’s home front heroes.
Discover the stories behind the smiles.
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