VE Day May 8th 2020 75 years

75 years ago, on the 7th May 1945, the formal act of military surrender was signed by Germany, thereby ending the war in Europe. On the next day 8th May, celebrations broke out all over the world to mark Victory in Europe or VE Day. In Britain, Winston Churchill marked the occasion by declaring 8th May a public holiday. When the news that the axis forces had finally admitted defeat came, communities all around the country came together to celebrate, there were street parties and parades throughout the Western world, especially in the United Kingdom. More than a million people took to the streets in Great Britain and the day was declared a national holiday.

For many families, though, the celebrations were bitter-sweet. People mourned their lost friends and loved ones. Others members of the armed forces were still engaged in combat, as the war in the far east continued there. Households across Britain eagerly awaited news that after six years of conflict, the second world war was closer to its end.

The war was still not fully over; however, as Japan had still yet to surrender, that would not happen until the 2nd September 1945. It was said that “the victory was still only half won”. For many people of all nations, VE Day signalled an end. It gave them a glimpse of a future that was not entirely governed by a global war. And for the families who were lucky enough to be reunited with loved ones, it was a day worth celebrating.

Millions of lives had been lost, homes and cities destroyed, and people all over Europe had been displaced by the conflict. But after years of uncertainty and living in fear, it was one day that everyone came together to mark the start of new beginnings as we remember the struggles all the wartime generation faced.

The image with this article includes the names of the men from this community who gave their lives during the Second World War and are recorded on the Brynteg memorial gates.