World marks 80 years since the end of World War II

RTÉ News​

08-05-2025

The 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe is being marked around the world, with different events being held in different parts of Europe.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn described an opportunity to remember the "huge sacrifice made by that great generation" at the end of the World War II in Europe.
Last night, some landmark buildings in Belfast were lit up to mark VE Day, including Belfast City Hall in red, as well as Parliament Buildings in blue.
Later today, beacons will be lit across a number of locations including Bangor, Newtownards, Lisburn, Armagh, Enniskillen, Coleraine, Derry and Coleraine.
Mr Benn took part in a number of visits across the region.
He officially opened a special World War II exhibition at Antrim Castle Gardens, before travelling to the Ulster Aviation Society, where he met veteran Fred Jennings.
He also visited the NI War Memorial Museum, which focuses on Northern Ireland's role in the World War II and the impact that the war had on its people and attended a Service of Remembrance at St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral in Armagh.
Mr Benn said the cost of peace must never be forgotten.
"VE Day 80 is our opportunity to remember and to honour the extraordinary courage of that great generation of World War Two veterans," he said.
"Today should remind us all that the cost of peace must never be forgotten.
"As we hear the stories of those who served and express our profound gratitude to them, let us remember that it was their sacrifice that enabled us to live in peace and freedom."
Meanwhile, World War II veterans and their generation will be commemorated during a national service of thanksgiving marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day London.
The British King and Queen will be joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, veterans and others at Westminster Abbey to recognise the milestone.
On 8 May 1945 the nation celebrated Victory in Europe (VE) Day with church bells ringing out across the country and people gathering to revel in the end of hostilities, with crowds famously gathering outside Buckingham Palace calling for King George VI.
After almost six years of fighting against Hitler's Nazi regime peace was declared, with only the conflict against Japan to be concluded.
During the service 10-year-old Alexander Churchill, the great-great-grandson of wartime prime minister Sir Winston Churchill, will light a candle of peace as young members of the congregation hand out white roses to Second World War veterans.
After a national two-minute silence is observed, Charles and William will lay wreaths of seasonal flowers, which would have been in bloom in May 1945, at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.
The King will do so on behalf of the nation and the Commonwealth, and William for the veterans and the wartime generation, with 99-year-old Ken Hay, who served in the 4th Dorset infantry regiment, at their side.
At the end of the service, the tune of We'll Meet Again made famous by forces sweetheart the late Dame Vera Lynn will be heard.
Outside the abbey Kate will join Camilla and other royals in laying flowers at the Innocent Victims' Memorial in tribute to all victims of war and oppression as the proceedings draw to a close.
Four days of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day will culminate on Thursday evening with a concert in London's Horse Guards Parade attended by the King and Queen, with performances by The Darkness, Toploader, and classical singer Willard White.
Taiwan president marks World War Two anniversary
Taiwan president marks World War Two anniversary, warning indulging aggressors only whets appetite for expansion
Taiwan and Europe face the same threat from authoritarianism, President Lai Ching-te said, marking 80 years since the end of World War Two in Europe and warning that indulging aggressors only whets their appetite for expansion.
Taiwan has faced increased military pressure from China, including war games, as Beijing seeks to assert its sovereignty claims over the democratically-governed island, and has sought joint cause with Europe from the risk it faces from Russia.
Speaking to an audience including European, British, Japanese, Canadian and US diplomats based in Taiwan, Lai said Taiwan shares the same values as many of the democracies who fought in World War Two.
"At many points in history, people have thought to give the aggressor a small concession to earn peace," Mr Lai said at the Taipei Guest House, the residence of the governor general under Japanese colonial rule of Taiwan, which ended in 1945.
"But as we all know from the painful lessons of World War Two, indulging aggressors with a taste of expansion only whets their appetite; it makes them more confident and hungrier for more."
Mr Lai's speech - the first time Taiwan has formally marked the end of the war in Europe - coincided with Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia for Moscow's Friday military parade to mark the war's end.
In an article for a Russian newspaper yesterday, Mr Xi said Taiwan legally belonged to China and no matter how the situation on the island evolved or "what troubles external forces may make", the trend towards "reunification" was unstoppable.
Mr Lai did not directly mention Russia or China by name but said Taiwan and Europe face "the threat of a new authoritarian bloc", pointing to issues like damage to undersea cables – which both Taiwan and Europe have complained about – election interference and spread of disinformation.
"Lovers of freedom around the world, both individuals and nations, must work together now in tight solidarity, before risks turn into crises and before crises are taken advantage of by those with ambitions for outward expansion," he said.
Mr Lai, who took office in May last year, is condemned by Beijing as a "separatist". He says only Taiwan's people can decide their future and rejects China's sovereignty claims.