Thousands in England Celebrate 80th Anniversary of V-E Day

Conservative News DailyMay 5, 2025

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On a Monday commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, thousands gathered near the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace to witness a grand military parade. This event, which began a few days ahead of V-E Day, featured British troops alongside their NATO allies and Ukrainian forces. Actor Timothy Spall recited Winston Churchill’s famous victory speech as Big Ben chimed noon. Notably,the Cenotaph war memorial was adorned with Union Jack flags,its first decoration as 1920. Attendees, like 69-year-old Maria Crook, expressed the significance of honoring the sacrifices made during the war, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and respect for those who fought and died.

Thousands of people lined the roads around the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace on Monday as British and allied troops paraded past at the start of four days of pageantry to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

After Big Ben tolled at the stroke of noon, actor Timothy Spall recited the victory speech that Winston Churchill delivered to a roaring crowd in central London on May 8, 1945. Britain started its commemorations of V-E Day three days early, because Monday is a public holiday in the U.K.

The Cenotaph, the nation’s war memorial, was covered with Union Jack flags. It was the first time that the memorial had been draped in the flags since it was unveiled by King George V in 1920, two years after the end of World War I.

About 1,300 members of the British armed forces are being joined by troops from the United Kingdom’s NATO allies and Ukraine. The procession started in Parliament Square and swept past Buckingham Palace, where King Charles III took the salute.

Maria Crook, 69, who wore a hat with red, white and blue ribbons, traveled from Devon to London to watch the procession.

“I think it’s extremely important to pay our respects and honor those who have died for us,” she said.

The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.