VE Day: 80 Years of Reflection | Thursday 8 May 2025
Victory in Europe Day is not just a date in the calendar — it’s a moment to pause, reflect, and honour.
For me, having served 22 years in the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment across Iraq, Bosnia, Northern Ireland, Germany, Cyprus, and right here at home in Weeton, Tidworth and Catterick, VE Day connects the legacy of those who came before us with the duty we’ve upheld in our own time.
It reminds me of the sacrifices ordinary men and women made in extraordinary times — not just in 1945, but in every conflict since. I’ve seen the effects of war, the strength of comradeship, and the resilience of those who wear the uniform. VE Day is a tribute to the courage that shaped Europe’s freedom, and it’s a legacy I’ve carried forward in my service.
It’s also a time to think about the families left behind, the communities shaped by loss and pride, and the ongoing duty we all must remember. For me, VE Day is about unity, remembrance, and gratitude — not just for victory but for peace.
