Beacon lights up Pembroke Castle for VE80 tribute
Civic leaders and townsfolk join commemorative event marking 80 years since Victory in Europe
A COMMEMORATIVE beacon was lit at Pembroke Castle on Wednesday evening (May 8) as the town joined nationwide celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
Led by the Mayor of Pembroke, Cllr Aden Brinn, the event saw members of the public, dressed officials, and standard bearers gather on the historic castle grounds to pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War.
The ceremony began beside the Henry VII Tower, where the Union Flag and the Welsh Dragon were proudly displayed. Cllr Brinn addressed the crowd from the ancient stone steps, reflecting on the significance of VE Day and the enduring gratitude owed to the wartime generation.
As dusk fell, dozens of attendees raised their phone torches in a moment of silent remembrance before the beacon was formally lit. Against the backdrop of a clear Pembrokeshire sky, the flame blazed into the night, joining a chain of beacons across the UK and Europe.
Also present were town councillors and representatives from local veterans' organisations. The event was accompanied by a moment of music and reflection, and concluded with applause from the gathered crowd.
VE Day, first marked on May 8, 1945, commemorates the formal acceptance of Nazi Germany's surrender, signalling the end of World War II in Europe. This year's 80th anniversary has seen special events held in towns and cities across the country.
(Image: Martin Cavaney)
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