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yesterday

UK Marks 80th VE Day Anniversary with Nationwide Tributes and Celebrations

A Westminster Abbey service, national silence, and evening concert honor the sacrifices of World War II veterans and their generation.

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FILE - This general view of Times Square, New York at 11 a.m. on May 7, 1945, shows New Yorkers jamming the streets to cheer the news of the unconditional surrender of Germany. (AP Photo/Harry Harris, File)

Overview

  • A national thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey, attended by King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and veterans, highlighted the commemorations.
  • A two-minute silence was observed at noon across the UK, followed by wreath-laying at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior by the King, Prince William, and 99-year-old veteran Ken Hay.
  • Ten-year-old Alexander Churchill, great-great-grandson of Winston Churchill, lit a candle of peace during the service, while young attendees distributed white roses to veterans.
  • Local communities across the UK hosted street parties, parades, and beacon lightings, with extended pub hours allowing for further celebrations.
  • The four-day commemorative events will conclude tonight with a concert at Horse Guards Parade featuring performances by The Darkness, Toploader, and Sir Willard White.