The 8 May 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. A war that touched every continent, involved millions of people and its legacy is still felt today. Many people laid down their lives in that terrible conflict – the most lethal and devastating conflict in history. 

A harrowing statistic about the Second World War is that 22 million military personnel lost their lives, but even more incredible than that, is the fact that 28 million civilians lost their lives, too. And this doesn’t take into account the many millions who were disabled and maimed as a result of warfare and bombing and those who carry the emotional scars of a World at War. 

The war had been a total war. It affected everyone, and no one was immune from its impact. Whether it be the men and women called up to serve; families separated from each other; or people asked to take up new roles and skills to support the war effort, all had a part to play.  At the start, the outlook seemed bleak, the end distant, the outcome uncertain. But we kept faith that the cause was right.

VE Day is a day remembered by all who witnessed it. After nearly six years of war, Germany forces unconditionally surrendered on 7th May, 1945, and the conflict in Europe was finally over. This news had been anticipated as the Allies advanced through Germany, and the official announcement was broadcast to the British people on the evening of 7th May with a news flash proclaiming that the next day would be a national holiday (VE Day). Never give up, never despair – that was the message of VE Day.

Across the Allied world, millions celebrated, relieved that years of conflict and extraordinary hardship were finally coming to an end. More than one million people poured onto the streets of the United Kingdom in celebration. In London, huge crowds, many dressed in red, white and blue, thronged the city’s monuments and gathered outside Buckingham Palace to cheer as the King and Queen appeared eight times on the balcony over the day and into the evening.

In the suburbs, street parties were thrown, fancy dress parades were held for children, and many people went to church to thank God for in the victory.

At 3.00 pm on 8 May 1945, Prime Minister Winston Churchill took to the airwaves to announce that Germany had surrendered, bringing an end to nearly six years of war in Europe.

After making his broadcast, Winston Churchill went to the House of Commons to make a short address and then moved that the House attend St Margaret’s Church, Westminster – the parish church of the House of Commons. 

Sir, with your permission to move ‘That this House do now attend at the church of St. Margaret, Westminster, to give humble and reverent thanks to Almighty God for our deliverance from the threat of German domination.’

The House then rose and followed the Speaker to the Church.

Let us therefore offer high praise and thanksgiving to the God of all mercies for the success which He has granted to us and to our Allies: for the faith which has upheld us through the years of danger and suffering; for the skill of our leaders and the valour and steadfastness of sailors, soldiers and airmen; for the hope that we are about the enter upon a righteous and abiding peace; for the holy memory and high example of that great company of men and women, known and unknown, whose faith and courage God has inspired and used.

In Westminster Abbey, services of ‘thanksgiving for victory’ were held every hour from 9.00am to 10.00pm. An estimated 25,000 people attended during the day, with the Lord Chancellor and the House of Lords attending at 3.00pm. You can download a copy of the service sheet here Westminster Abbey VE Day Service Sheet

 

 

 

 

 

Yet the news of Victory in Europe provoked mixed emotions for those who had lost loved ones during the war, and for those worried about friends and family still serving (and fighting) overseas. For while VE Day marked the beginning of the end of the Second World War, millions were still involved in the fighting that raged in the Far East and Pacific, and many troops stationed in Europe were redeployed to the east instead of going home. Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) on 15 August, 1945, marked the Japanese surrender, which in effect ended the Second World War.

On 8 May 1945, King George VI delivered a victory speech celebrating the defeat of Nazi Germany and paid tribute to those who lost their lives in World War II and at 9.00 pm the King made a radio broadcast officially marking the end of the Second World War.

In this 80th anniversary year we remember the struggles that the wartime generation endured. A global conflict that sucked a whole generation into its violence and evil, of the courage and sacrifice of many, those who lost their lives and those who bore the scars, of those, who, with a vision of hope for a different future toiled through the hard work of forgiveness and reconciliation to create a new and lasting peace.

The Second World War profoundly shaped our modern world, helping to foster global cooperation and establish institutions like the United Nations. Many people in Britain, and around the world, will have a connection to those who served during the Second World War, either through their family or community heritage. Many fought so we could live in peace, at home and abroad. Many died so we could live as free people in a world of free nations. They risked all so our families and neighbourhoods could be safe. We should and will remember them. 

A two-minute national silence will be held on Thursday 8 May at 12 noon (UK time), to remember and thank those who fought for our freedom. The silence will be marked by all UK Government departments, which will also fly the Union Flag at full-mast.

The Imperial War Museum have a very interesting page on their website: What You Need To Know About VE Day and is well worth a read.

Atlantic Productions has launched an ‘augmented reality experience’ that lets you explore the stories and voices of those who were there on VE Day 1945.  Use your phone to view the experience.

Here are some Prayers you could use …

FOR THOSE WHO SERVED AND DIED IN WORLD WAR II

O God of truth and justice,
we hold before you those men and women
who have died in active service,
particularly in the Second World War,
whose sacrifice brought Victory in Europe.
As we honour their courage and cherish their memory,
may we put our faith in your future;
for you are the source of life and hope,
now and for ever. Amen.


FOR THOSE WHO SERVE TODAY

O Lord God of Hosts,
stretch forth, we pray, your almighty arm
to strengthen and protect our service men and women.
Support them in times of conflict,
and in their rest and training keep them safe from all evil;
endue them with courage and loyalty;
and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


THE NAVAL PRAYER

O Eternal Lord God,
who alone spreadest out the heavens and rulest the raging of the sea;
who has compassed the waters with bounds
until day and night come to an end;
be pleased to receive into Thy almighty and most gracious protection
the persons of us Thy servants,
and the Fleet in which we serve.
Preserve us from the dangers of the sea and of the air,
and from the violence of the enemy;
that we may be a safeguard
unto our most gracious Sovereign, King Charles,
and his Dominions,
and a security for such as pass upon the seas upon their lawful occasions;
that the inhabitants of our islands and Commonwealth
may in peace and quietness
serve Thee our God;
and that we may return in safety
to enjoy the blessings of the land,
with the fruits of our labours,
and with a thankful remembrance of Thy mercies
to praise and glorify Thy Holy Name; Amen.


THE ARMY PRAYER

Almighty God, whose command is overall and whose love never fails,
let us be aware of your presence and obedient to your will.
Help us to accept our share of responsibility with strong heart and cheerful mind.
Make us considerate of those with whom we live and serve,
and faithful to the duties our country has entrusted to us.
Let our uniform remind us daily of the traditions of the Army in which we serve.
When we are tempted to sin, let us resist.
When we fail, give us courage to try again.
Guide us with the light of your truth,
and keep before us the example of Jesus
in whose name we pray and in whom we trust. Amen.


THE ROYAL AIR FORCE PRAYER

Almighty God, who has promised that they who wait upon thee
shall renew their strength and mount up with wings, as eagles,
we commend to thy fatherly protection all who serve in the Royal Air Force.
Uplift and support us in our endeavour,
that we may be a safeguard unto our most gracious Sovereign King Charles
and a sure defence to our homeland.
Help us to fulfil our several duties with honour, goodwill and integrity,
and grant that we may prove to be worthy successors
of those who by their valour and sacrifice did nobly save their day and generation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


FOR THE PEACE OF THE WORLD

O God, who would fold both heaven and earth in a single peace;
that the design of your great love lighten
upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows
and give peace to your church, peace among nations,
peace in our dwellings and peace in our hearts;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.