Global events are taking place to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
Britain’s King Charles and Prince William laid wreaths at Westminster Abbey as the UK wrapped up four days of commemorations.
The thanksgiving service in the Abbey began with a two-minute silence, observed across the UK, to honor the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany at the close of World War II, effective on 8 May 1945.
Charles and William, adorned with military medals and standing alongside elderly veterans in wheelchairs, laid wreaths at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during World War II.
At a defense conference in London, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the day as a celebration of defiance, sacrifice, and courage.
Belfast City Hall was illuminated in red to mark Victory in Europe Day.
“This victory is not just for Britain, but for the forces of good against hatred, tyranny, and evil,” he stated.
In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to the “sacred” victory over Adolf Hitler, asserting that Russia stands against “neo-Nazism,” a term vehemently rejected by Kyiv amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Mr. Putin held discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is participating in Russia’s commemorative events.
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to lay a wreath at the statue of wartime hero Charles de Gaulle in Paris and will review a troop parade at the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, numerous World War II-era vehicles will parade down the Champs-Elysees.
In Berlin, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is set to address the Bundestag, Germany’s lower house of parliament, during a dedicated remembrance session.
The 80th anniversary of VE Day is likely to be one of the last major celebrations attended by living veterans, as most are now in their 90s or older.
Veterans were present among the congregation at Westminster Abbey in London and will be welcomed by Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, following the service. Senior royals are also expected to lay flowers at a memorial nearby.
Veterans also participated in a grand military parade and aerial display near Buckingham Palace on Monday, one of several anniversary events.
Later, a concert will take place at Horse Guards Parade for 10,000 attendees, where Charles and Camilla will enjoy music and hear veterans’ stories.
VE Day is being commemorated with events across Ireland.
A ceremony honoring the thousands of Irish soldiers who fought and fell in World War II was conducted at the Irish National War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge, Dublin.
Those present observed a minute’s silence at noon, after which the Chairman of the Royal British Legion in the Republic of Ireland, Paul Stephenson, addressed the gathering.
“As we celebrate the triumph of liberty over oppression, we must also reflect on the immense cost of victory, with over 70 million lives lost during this global conflict, each being a unique story, a precious existence extinguished too soon,” Mr. Stephenson noted.
“Among them were up to 10,000 Irish men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. They came from towns and villages across Ireland, stepping forward with courage to serve as nurses, medics, auxiliary support, and in countless other roles.”
“Their bravery was not only in their actions but in their willingness to fight for a cause greater than themselves,” he added.
Jim Kearns of the Dublin Central Branch Royal British Legion committee laid a poppy wreath at the foot of the Garden’s War Stone, inscribed with “Their Name Liveth for Evermore.”
Ireland maintained a stance of neutrality throughout World War II.
Mr. Stephenson mentioned that many veterans kept their service with the Allied forces private.
“My uncle served in the Second World War, yet it was never a topic of conversation. I recall visiting his home and seeing a photograph of him in uniform during Normandy, and he never mentioned it,” Mr. Stephenson explained.
“Many chose not to speak about it, just as with the First World War; those who returned often remained silent.”
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn referred to the occasion as a time to honor the “huge sacrifice made by that great generation” at the conclusion of World War II in Europe.
Last night, several landmark buildings in Belfast were illuminated to commemorate VE Day, including Belfast City Hall in red and Parliament Buildings in blue.
Later today, beacons will be lit in various locations, including Bangor, Newtownards, Lisburn, Armagh, Enniskillen, Coleraine, and Derry.
Mr. Benn participated in several visits throughout the region, officially opening a special World War II exhibition at Antrim Castle Gardens before heading to the Ulster Aviation Society, where he met veteran Fred Jennings.
Additional reporting by Laura Fletcher.
