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VE Day Poll Finds Sharp Gen Z Knowledge Gap as UK Marks 81st Anniversary

RBVE uses a new Rankin portrait series to link the commemoration to today's veterans.

Overview

  • A new RBVE/Opinium poll of 2,052 adults, released ahead of Friday's VE Day events, found 63% of UK adults know the date marks the end of World War Two in Europe versus 34% of Gen Z.
  • RBVE launched the Still Serving campaign with nine portraits by photographer Rankin to place recent veterans at the heart of the commemoration.
  • The survey reported that only 40% correctly identify the Tommy silhouette as a symbol for all who have served, with recognition at 16% among Gen Z and 70% among baby boomers.
  • Most respondents said VE Day is important to British identity and helps teach history, yet only 23% felt younger people understand veterans' experiences.
  • GB News street interviews showed confusion among some young adults, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a VE Day tribute praising the courage and service of the armed forces.