VE Day 80: Remembering the day World War Two came to an end in Europe
The 8th May 2025 marks 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, VE Day. 80 years ago, World War Two officially came to an end in Europe. For millions of people, it was the long-awaited moment which marked hope and peace for a war torn continent. Every year, VE Day is an opportunity to look back on history, to remember the stories and lives of History Heroes and everyone who made a stand for peace.
What Is VE Day?
VE Day—Victory in Europe Day—is celebrated on the 8th of May every year. On this day in 1945, Nazi Germany officially surrendered to the Allied forces after several years of a global war. In towns and cities across the UK, the United States, France and the Soviet Union – amongst other countries – people poured into the streets to celebrate the end of World War Two. There were spontaneous street parties involving singing, dancing, the sharing of food and conversation. It was also a moment of remembrance for the millions of people who had died, and for those still fighting in the Pacific.
In London, Prime Minister Winston Churchill gave one of his iconic speeches, ending with a nod towards the post-war period which lay ahead:
“We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing; but let us not forget for a moment the toils and efforts that lie ahead.”
History Heroes of the Allied Victory
Victory in Europe was made possible by the efforts of politicians, codebreakers, military personnel and everyday people from across the Allied Nations. You can learn about all of the people who made their impact on World War Two in our History Heroes World War II Card Game. Learn about a handful of History Heroes from World War Two below!
General Dwight D. Eisenhower
I led the Allies’ successful invasion of French North Africa, Sicily and Italy. I was Supreme Commander of the Allied forces’ invasion of France on D-Day in 1944. After Germany’s surrender in 1945, I was made military governor of the US occupied zone. Apart from my military skills I was known for my charm and powers of persuasion. Did you know, my mother was a pacifist and cried when I entered the US Military Academy at West Point?
Charles de Gaulle
I was a French General who became leader of the Free French during World War Two. I announced the formation of the French government in exile in London, and in 1940 the BBC broadcast my speech to the French people, telling them to resist the Nazis. After Paris’ liberation, I returned to France as a hero.
Alan Turing
I supplied the Allies with vital information in World War Two by breaking the Germans’ Enigma Code. I was a brilliant mathematician and founder of modern computer science – WG Welchman and I created the ‘Bombe’, the Enigma code breaking machine. Winston Churchill said I made the biggest single contribution to the Allied victory; it has been said that my fellow codebreakers and I shortened the war by several years. Did you know in 1948, I ran the marathon only 11 minutes slower than that year’s Olympic winning time?
Nancy Wake
I was the most decorated servicewoman of World War Two and the Gestapo’s most wanted person. I was a New Zealand woman who became a Resistance fighter in France during World War Two. In 1944 I led an army of 7,000 Maquis troops against the Nazis in preparation for D-Day. When asked whether I have ever been afraid, I said, “Hah, I’ve never once been afraid in my life”.
Winston Churchill
I was Britain’s Prime Minister for most of World War Two. In wartime I was described as “the only man we have for this hour”. On VE day I told the crowd “…this is your victory”. They roared back “No, it’s yours”. Despite leading Britain to victory in World War Two, I lost the 1945 General Election to Labour.
Bernard Law Montgomery
I led my dispirited 8th Army, the ‘Desert Rats’ to victory over Germany at El Alamein in 1942. I was made Field Marshal in 1944 after Operation Overlord and the D-Day landings. Winston Churchill believed our victory at El Alamein was the turning point in World War Two. Whilst my troops loved me, I was less popular with politicians and other Allied commanders.
Did You Know? Fun Facts about VE Day
- Before officially announcing VE Day on 8th May 1945, Winston Churchill had been assured by the Ministry of Food that there was enough beer in London for celebration!
- On VE Day in London, St Paul’s Cathedral held ten services, one after the other, giving thanks for peace. Thousands of people attended each service that day.
- Rationing was still in place on VE Day, so many of the cakes and sandwiches were made with substitutions. However, the Board of Trade announced that people could buy red, white and blue bunting without using ration coupons.
- Although VE Day marked the end of war in Europe, World War Two continued in the Pacific until Japan’s surrender in August 1945.
VE Day 80 reminds us not only of the end of World War Two, but of the values of peace, humanity and democracy. To learn more about World War Two, visit our History Heroes World War Two Card Game!