As spring (finally!) blossoms and the warmth of May approaches, we find ourselves not just embracing longer days and blooming flowers, but also preparing to commemorate a pivotal moment in history - Victory in Europe (VE) Day. As you’ll probably know by now this year marks the 80th anniversary of this monumental celebration, reminding us of courage, resilience, and unity during one of humanity's darkest times. Whether you're wrapping yourself in a Union Jack flag or planning a gathering with family and friends, there are various ways to honour the spirit of VE Day. As proud patriots here at The Flag Shop, we thought we’d explore some inspiring and different ideas for paying tribute to those who fought for our freedom.
VE Day 80 Celebrations and its significance
On May 8th, 2020, the world will mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. This day commemorates the surrender of Nazi Germany's forces in World War II and celebrates the end of war in Europe.
The VE Day 80 celebrations is a reminder that we must never forget the sacrifices made by millions of people during one of the most devastating wars in human history. To honour those who served during World War II, various events such as parades, concerts, wreath-laying ceremonies, flypasts, exhibitions about wartime life, street parties have been planned - all traditions we are familiar with from previous celebrations but with perhaps even more poignancy this time as we sadly now have very few surviving WWII personnel with us. But how will you play your part? Let’s look at some options, some more lighthearted than others!
Attending official UK events or community ones
You may choose to attend official UK events or join in on local community celebrations. These options offer a unique and memorable way to commemorate this historic day with many others.
Attending an official event is a great opportunity to be part of a large-scale celebration and witness first-hand the magnitude of VE Day festivities. The most prominent event being held in honour of this milestone is the national commemorative service and parade at Westminster Abbey. This event will be attended by members of the royal family, government officials, veterans, and military personnel. It will be followed by a procession from Westminster Abbey to Parliament Square where there will be live music performances, speeches, and other activities.
A military parade will be marching from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, accompanied by a flypast showcasing both modern and past aircraft, such as the Red Arrows - What a spectacle that usually proves to be! Throughout the festivities, the Cenotaph will be adorned with Union Flags, a symbolic tribute to its initial unveiling in 1920.
For those who are unable to make it to the nation’s capital, there are also numerous regional events taking place across the country. From military parades and air shows to street parties and concerts, these events offer a diverse range of ways to celebrate VE Day in your local area. Check with your city or town's council for more information on specific events near you.
If you prefer a more intimate setting, joining in on community celebrations is another fantastic option. Many areas organise their own outdoor gatherings such as street parties or picnics where everyone comes together for food, drinks, games and entertainment. These grassroots gatherings allow for strong bonds within the community and provide an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about history in a fun and interactive way.
Hosting a VE Day themed party at home
To mark this momentous occasion, many people around the nation will be celebrating with local events, parades, concerts and other festivities. However, if you prefer to commemorate this historic day in the comfort of your own home, hosting a VE Day themed party might be the perfect way to do so!
To start planning your celebration, first think about how you want to set the atmosphere. Incorporate traditional colours such as red, white and blue into your decorations – whether it’s through classic Union Jack flags or bunting, special VE Day 80 flags or VE Day bunting – to represent both Great Britain and its allies. You can also add some vintage touches like old posters or photographs from the era!
Next up could be choosing a menu that reflects the time period. Get creative with your food selections by incorporating wartime recipes such as Spam sandwiches or Spotted Dick pudding - just make sure they are tasty! Serve them on traditional crockery and period teapots for an authentic feel. Don’t forget about drinks too! You can whip up some classics from the era like gin and tonic or Scotch whiskey sours.
Music plays an important role at any party and there will definitely be no shortage of songs from the early 1940s to choose from. Surely the iconic Vera Lynn's “We'll Meet Again” has to be included?
Don't forget though to include elements of remembrance and reflection. Take a moment during the party to honour those who served and lost their lives during the war and show gratitude for the peace we all enjoy today.
Attending a virtual event or livestream of celebrations
One of the ways you can join in on the VE Day celebrations is by attending a virtual event or livestream of the festivities. In today's digital age, it has become increasingly common for events to be broadcasted live online for viewers all over the world to enjoy. This option allows individuals who are unable to physically attend an event to still feel connected and involved in the celebrations. Attending a virtual event or livestream means you can participate from the comfort of your own home. You won't have to deal with crowds or worry about finding a good spot to watch from, as you'll have a front row seat wherever you choose to tune in from - Always a plus!
Attending a social media virtual event or livestream of VE Day celebrations is an excellent option for individuals looking to join in on the commemorations from their own homes. It provides accessibility, convenience, and a unique perspective that can make for a meaningful and memorable experience - Not to mention providing loads of interest and pleasure.
No matter which option you choose – attending an official event or joining in on local community celebrations – you will be part of a larger movement commemorating a vital moment in history, and that is unquestionably An Important Thing To Do.