VE Day 80: A Reflection on Resilience, Sacrifice, and the Unlearned Lessons of War
This year’s VE Day feels especially poignant, as ongoing global conflicts highlight the relevance of wartime sacrifices and the lessons yet to be learned
Today marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a momentous occasion that commemorates the end of World War II in Europe.
On this day, we remember the formal surrender of Nazi Germany, which brought an end to a conflict that defined a generation. This year’s milestone is not only a reflection on the victory over fascism, but a poignant reminder of the enduring human costs of war, as well as the resilience and courage that shaped a new post-war world.
Modern-day celebrations
Commemorations across the UK are taking place today, with a series of events designed to honour the sacrifices of the past while acknowledging the importance of peace. Among the key events is a Thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey, an evening concert at Horse Guards Parade, and VE Day 80: The Party at the Royal Albert Hall, featuring the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Pubs in England and Wales are staying open until 01:00 BST, allowing the public extra time to reflect on and celebrate the occasion.
These events offer a chance to pay tribute to those who lived through the war, but also serve as a moment for us to reflect on the lessons we must continue to learn, not only from history but from the present. The emotional significance of VE Day resonates deeply for many, evoking both pride in the victory and sorrow for the sacrifices that made it possible.
For Doreen Tokatly, 84, who was just five years old when the war ended, VE Day is a complex blend of pride and sadness. As she recalls the victory, she is also reminded of the human toll it took:
“It’s strange. Every time I see the planes in the air to commemorate, I can’t help but cry. Cry for those who died for us and our country. I feel so much pride, but also such sadness. My father was lucky to survive, though I met him for the first time when I was five. Despite this day holding so much love for me, I can’t help but think of those suffering in Palestine, and all the other conflicts around the world. I can only wish we would learn from these horrors, but it seems as though no one is learning, and it’s actually accelerating at a speed that’s so fast. It’s heart-breaking to see, especially when we think of the millions who died in World War II. Why can’t we learn?”
Doreen Tokatly as a child during the WW2
Tokatly’s reflections provide a stark reminder: the wars of the past may have ended, but the pain and lessons of those conflicts continue to reverberate in today’s world. While we celebrate the triumph of peace, we must also face the ongoing suffering of those caught in present-day wars. Her words resonate with the urgency of learning from history’s darkest chapters.
For Charlie Roy, a 24-year-old war enthusiast, memorabilia collector and artist, VE Day serves as both a commemoration of human resilience and a reminder of the unlearned lessons of war. He reflects on the personal impact of war, particularly in his family’s history:
“The 80th anniversary is an important milestone. Every year, it serves as a reminder of both the tragedy of war and the necessity of solidarity during times of crisis. I think of my Great Grandparents, both of whom had to go off to war in their adolescence. One had a child born while he was away in Malaya, the other married his sweetheart while on missions across Germany, knowing that death could be imminent. There are clear parallels between the Second World War and the conflicts we see today. Many in my generation feel uncomfortable with the glorification of war and prefer to distance themselves from the celebration of 1945. For me, the war was as much about social history as it was about military history. It completely altered lives, forcing people to adapt to circumstances that would seem unimaginable in our modern world.”
Charlie’s family history provides a personal lens through which to view the human impact of war. He continues:
“I wrote constantly to my Great Grandma when she moved to Australia. She shared vivid accounts of what life was like when my Great Grandfather went off to war, and how her position in society changed. She began working at the Handley Page factory building Halifax Bombers, and later went on to work for Rolls Royce. My Great Grandfather was the manager of the Kilburn power plant before the war, and suddenly found himself navigating Mosquito bombers across Germany in the RAF. She told me he only joined the RAF because the queue for the Navy was too long at the enlistment office. After the war, he was stationed in India.”
As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, it is crucial not only to remember the victories of the past but also to understand the broader significance of this day.
This anniversary serves as a reminder of the need for peace, the ongoing struggle for justice, and the importance of empathy for those affected by war in the present day. Today, as we reflect on the bravery and resilience of those who fought for a better world, we also must ask ourselves: How can we make sure that the peace they fought for endures?
Submitted Article
Headline
Short Headline
Standfirst
Published Article
HeadlineVE Day 80: A Reflection on Resilience, Sacrifice, and the Unlearned Lessons of War
Short HeadlineToday is the 80th anniversary of the end of WW2
StandfirstThis year’s VE Day feels especially poignant, as ongoing global conflicts highlight the relevance of wartime sacrifices and the lessons yet to be learned
Today marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a momentous occasion that commemorates the end of World War II in Europe.
On this day, we remember the formal surrender of Nazi Germany, which brought an end to a conflict that defined a generation. This year’s milestone is not only a reflection on the victory over fascism, but a poignant reminder of the enduring human costs of war, as well as the resilience and courage that shaped a new post-war world.
Modern-day celebrations
Commemorations across the UK are taking place today, with a series of events designed to honour the sacrifices of the past while acknowledging the importance of peace. Among the key events is a Thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey, an evening concert at Horse Guards Parade, and VE Day 80: The Party at the Royal Albert Hall, featuring the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Pubs in England and Wales are staying open until 01:00 BST, allowing the public extra time to reflect on and celebrate the occasion.
These events offer a chance to pay tribute to those who lived through the war, but also serve as a moment for us to reflect on the lessons we must continue to learn, not only from history but from the present. The emotional significance of VE Day resonates deeply for many, evoking both pride in the victory and sorrow for the sacrifices that made it possible.
For Doreen Tokatly, 84, who was just five years old when the war ended, VE Day is a complex blend of pride and sadness. As she recalls the victory, she is also reminded of the human toll it took:
“It’s strange. Every time I see the planes in the air to commemorate, I can’t help but cry. Cry for those who died for us and our country. I feel so much pride, but also such sadness. My father was lucky to survive, though I met him for the first time when I was five. Despite this day holding so much love for me, I can’t help but think of those suffering in Palestine, and all the other conflicts around the world. I can only wish we would learn from these horrors, but it seems as though no one is learning, and it’s actually accelerating at a speed that’s so fast. It’s heart-breaking to see, especially when we think of the millions who died in World War II. Why can’t we learn?”
Doreen Tokatly as a child during the WW2
Tokatly’s reflections provide a stark reminder: the wars of the past may have ended, but the pain and lessons of those conflicts continue to reverberate in today’s world. While we celebrate the triumph of peace, we must also face the ongoing suffering of those caught in present-day wars. Her words resonate with the urgency of learning from history’s darkest chapters.
For Charlie Roy, a 24-year-old war enthusiast, memorabilia collector and artist, VE Day serves as both a commemoration of human resilience and a reminder of the unlearned lessons of war. He reflects on the personal impact of war, particularly in his family’s history:
“The 80th anniversary is an important milestone. Every year, it serves as a reminder of both the tragedy of war and the necessity of solidarity during times of crisis. I think of my Great Grandparents, both of whom had to go off to war in their adolescence. One had a child born while he was away in Malaya, the other married his sweetheart while on missions across Germany, knowing that death could be imminent. There are clear parallels between the Second World War and the conflicts we see today. Many in my generation feel uncomfortable with the glorification of war and prefer to distance themselves from the celebration of 1945. For me, the war was as much about social history as it was about military history. It completely altered lives, forcing people to adapt to circumstances that would seem unimaginable in our modern world.”
Charlie’s family history provides a personal lens through which to view the human impact of war. He continues:
“I wrote constantly to my Great Grandma when she moved to Australia. She shared vivid accounts of what life was like when my Great Grandfather went off to war, and how her position in society changed. She began working at the Handley Page factory building Halifax Bombers, and later went on to work for Rolls Royce. My Great Grandfather was the manager of the Kilburn power plant before the war, and suddenly found himself navigating Mosquito bombers across Germany in the RAF. She told me he only joined the RAF because the queue for the Navy was too long at the enlistment office. After the war, he was stationed in India.”
As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, it is crucial not only to remember the victories of the past but also to understand the broader significance of this day.
This anniversary serves as a reminder of the need for peace, the ongoing struggle for justice, and the importance of empathy for those affected by war in the present day. Today, as we reflect on the bravery and resilience of those who fought for a better world, we also must ask ourselves: How can we make sure that the peace they fought for endures?
The first direct negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian officials since the breakdown of talks in 2022 have begun in Istanbul, as both sides revisit unresolved demands amid continued fighting on the ground
A devastating fire at Bicester Motion, a historic motoring and aviation centre located on a former RAF base in Oxfordshire, has claimed the lives of two firefighters and a member of the public.
