VE Day 75
Friday 8 May 2020 marks 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe. As we pay tribute to the enormous sacrifice, determination and courage of the Second World War generation, we invite you to unite with us.
In these challenging times, it’s more important than ever that we celebrate the strength of our RAF community, both then and now.
Victory in Europe: A poem by Hannah Booth
Our VE Day poem is read by individuals representing the diversity of our RAF community, including veterans, serving members and Air Cadets.
Please do also visit our Facebook page to share this video with your friends, family and loved ones.
8 May 1945, a day of celebration, freedom and pride.
Through all that was lost, all that was taken,
We rallied together and remained unshaken.
We rose up through adversity united,
And a world once darkened was then a spark; re-ignited.
Now, 75 years on, another test of resolve and, for now at least, life is on hold.
Again, we are being tested,
Again, we must rally; again, we will best-it.
Lessons learned will come to the fore,
Victory in Europe will come again once more.
Reflecting on VE Day
“The overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude spread across the whole country. We had ‘made it’, we had survived, we had emerged into the sunshine.
In the villages, towns and cities across the land the streets suddenly blossomed with flags and bunting. The church bells – silenced in 1940 and to be used only as a sign of invasion – rang out in gratitude, there was dancing in the streets, neighbour hugged neighbour.”
Former Flt Lt Douglas Newham LVO DFC is a Bomber Command veteran. Now 98 years old, he reflects on his memories of VE Day and shares his own plans to commemorate this 75th anniversary in these unusual times.
We Will Remember Them: Our branches carry out virtual commemorations
Each year, RAF Association branches commemorate VE Day by parading Standards at community events. In 2020, this is not possible, but we all still remember – proudly and thankfully – those of all nations who died in the Royal Air Force and the Air Force of the Commonwealth.
Our thanks also go to Group Captain Jo Lincoln MBE (Station Commander), Squadron Leader Daz Purchase and Squadron Leader (Padre) Stewart Shaw at RAF Wittering for their involvement in this video.
Project ENTERTAIN
We have collated a programme of VE Day entertainment to bring our community together – virtually, from the safety of your own home – until the day we can celebrate together once again.
Come together and celebrate with our VE Day 75th anniversary Facebook Live sessions, with some familiar faces, and some new ones!
1100: Tom joins us for the first time. A Cadet Flight Sergeant in 281 (Southport) Squadron RAF Air Cadets, Tom is also a lead singer in the RAF Air Cadets National Choir. Tom has a very bright future ahead of him – prepare to be dazzled!
1300: Join the fabulous Miss Sarah Jane for her third appearance on Project ENTERTAIN, performing nostalgic hits of yesteryear.
1400: Another new voice in our line-up is Andy Smailes. A serving Squadron Leader, Andy is a Jazz and Swing vocalist who specialises in recreating the sounds of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack.
1500: Andy Wilsher returns for the last of his series of hugely popular ‘driveway gigs’. A huge thank you Andy, for everything you have done to entertain us over past weeks. Tune in for Andy’s grand finale!
