What is VE Day?
8 May 1945 – VE (Victory in Europe) Day – was one that remained in the memory of all those who witnessed it. It meant an end to nearly six years of a war that had cost the lives of millions; had destroyed homes, families, and cities; and had brought huge suffering and privations to the populations of entire countries.
Millions of people rejoiced in the news that Germany had surrendered, relieved that the intense strain of total war was finally over. In towns and cities across the world, people marked the victory with street parties, dancing and singing.
But it was not the end of the conflict, nor was it an end to the impact the war had on people. The war against Japan did not end until August 1945, and the political, social and economic repercussions of the Second World War were felt long after Germany and Japan surrendered. (Imperial War Museum)
Below is what you need to know about VE Day on its 80th anniversary.
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On May 8, 1945 - known as Victory in Europe Day or V-E Day - celebrations erupted around the world to mark the end of World War II in Europe.
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On the 1st September 1939, two days before the outbreak of war, Britain was blacked out.
The Blackout imposed on everyone was absolute. No chinks of light, no see through curtains, no car headlights. Even the red glow of a cigarette was banned.
Britain was plunged into complete darkness.
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In 1939, The Ministry of Agriculture launched one of the most memorable slogans of the whole conflict - 'Dig for Victory'.
Everyone was encouraged to turn their gardens into mini-allotments.
Over just a few months, Britain was transformed with gardens, flowerbeds and parkland dug up to grow vegetables.
By 1943, over a million tons of vegetables were being grown in gardens and allotments.
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During the Second World War, many children living in big cities and towns were moved temporarily from their homes to places considered safer, usually out in the countryside.
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During World War II there was a shortage of all sorts of essential and non-essential foods as well as clothing, furniture and petrol.
It was decided that there had to be a way of allocating these goods equally and fairly to everyone, and so rationing was born.
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Before war was declared the government thought about how to protect people from possible bombing raids carried out by the German Air Force which was known as the Luftwaffe.
How can I get involved in commemorating VE Day?
As your plans get underway for joining in the 80th anniversary of VE Day celebrations, there are plenty of ways to make your event more memorable with a few little extras.
Turn a simple get-together into a more meaningful event with themed decorations, food, music, games and activities that add to the atmosphere, spark conversations and encourage everyone to join in.
Why not commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a quiz?
How is Haverhill commemorating VE Day?
Order of the ceremony:
Haverhill Town Council will commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday 8th May.
- Formal raising of the Union Flags at 9am on the Market Square.
- And in St. Mary’s Church:
- Bell ringing at 6.30pm
- Welcome by the Rev’d Max Drinkwater at 7pm
- Introduction by the Haverhill Mayor
- Declaration of peace made in 1945
- A reading reflecting “Haverhill Waits”
- A musical medley of pre-recorded songs by Haverhill Silver Band to reflect the end of the war accompanied by videos and images from the period
- A reading for “Haverhill wakes up on V.E. Day”
- Performance of the Hallelujah Chorus by the St. Mary’s Choir
- A reading for “Haverhill Celebrates”
- A further musical interlude of pre-recorded songs by Haverhill Silver Band accompanied by videos and images from the period
- A second performance by the St. Mary’s Choir
- A reading reflecting on “Those that are still in conflict and have not yet returned”
- The Rev’d Max Drinkwater will make a short concluding speech, followed by the National Anthem and a blessing
- Closure at approximately 8pm