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BBC News
08-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
VE Day: Winston Churchill's descendant issues call to 'pray for peace'
Royals, politicians and veterans have gathered at Westminster Abbey to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the war's end in Europe - on what could be the last major VE Day attended by World War Two the clock struck noon, they joined the crowd of around 1,800 in standing for a two-minute silence that was observed across the Charles and the Prince of Wales laid wreaths with handwritten notes saying "we will never forget" and "we will remember them" at the grave of the Unknown of events are planned to honour the last generation of war veterans and urge peace in the present, with Winston Churchill's great-great-grandson issuing a call to "pray for peace in Europe". Before the service, MPs and peers re-enacted a historic walk from Parliament to the abbey that had taken place when victory in Europe was declared in 1945. After the laying of wreaths and a welcome, an excerpt of Winston Churchill's speech announcing the unconditional surrender of Germany rang throughout the former prime minister's great-great-grandson, Alexander Churchill, 10, lit a candle for peace and invited people to "pray for peace in Europe and around the world". Children handed veterans white roses, while service members carried conflict artefacts, including a child's gas mask. A singer performed the White Cliffs of Dover, written during the war, among other songs. Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a reading from the Bible, while others read memoirs and re-dedications to a message to the crowd, the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell thanked those "whose sacrifice made our victory possible"."All this good is under threat again in our world today," he said. "Let us then, on this 80th anniversary, with some of the veterans who fought for those freedoms with us here, make a new commitment to be those who, in the words of Jesus, make peace."After the service, royals greeted and chatted with World War Two veterans, some of whom were in wheelchairs and decorated with the guests was Harry Winter, a 103-year-old RAF veteran. He told the BBC he was shot down over Germany in January 1945 and held as a prisoner of war until VE Day five months later. While in captivity, he had to walk 150 miles in 17 days without any food, pushing cattle trucks in -30C temperatures, he said. On 8 May, 1945, he was met by American trucks and crossed out of Germany."I just felt, 'I'm free! I can do as I like again! I can go around without anybody trying to hold me back'," he said. Follow updates on this storyThree women's bittersweet memories of VE Day After the service, members of the royal family walked to lay bouquets at the Innocent Victims' Memorial - which commemorates all those who have suffered death, torture and oppression throughout the world - outside the abbey. The flowers were picked on Wednesday on the grounds of Windsor Castle and the surrounding estate - and included rosemary representing remembrance, oak for longevity and endurance, and bluebells for Abbey's bells then pealed 80 times to remember the years since the first VE 18:30, churches and cathedrals across the country will ring their bells, which the Church of England says will echo the sounds that swept across the country in 1945.A massive concert is planned for 20:00 from Horse Guards Parade in London, with 10,000 people expected to are likely to continue until late into the night, with pubs and bars given permission to stay open for two extra in Scotland, the national piper played a lament at dawn for the fallen on Portobello Beach in Edinburgh, and a convoy of Norwegian fishing boats is travelling to Shetland to commemorate the "Shetland Bus" operation that rescued many refugees during the Ireland is marking VE Day with a series of events, including a tea dance at Belfast City Wales, attendees at church services observed silence and laid wreaths, and a knitted poppy cascade of 1,000 individual flowers was displayed outside the veterans' hub in Connah's the afternoon, the Royal British Legion hosted a tea party with veterans at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, Abbey's service brought together veterans from different Webb, a Royal Navy veteran who served in Afghanistan, was wearing his medals and those of both his grandfathers who served in World War Two."I felt very emotional during the service," he the abbey, crowds of citizens gathered to show their respect, including Angela from Glasgow, who took the day off work to attend."It is important to recognise the sacrifices, it's important to stand up for the troops," she among the crowd, she added: "I'm proud to be British."The 80th anniversary celebrations of VE day began on Monday with a military procession and Red Arrows flypast, with thousands lining the Mall near Buckingham Palace to watch. An exhibit of nearly 30,000 ceramic poppies was also unveiled at the Tower of reporting by Sean Coughlin, Ashitha Nagesh and Gabriela Pomeroy
CBC
08-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Churchill descendant reads prayer for peace at VE-day anniversary service
Alexander Churchill, the 10-year-old great-great-grandson of Winston Churchill, led a prayer at a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
STV News
08-05-2025
- General
- STV News
King leads the nation at Westminster Abbey service to mark VE Day
The King has led the nation in honouring the sacrifices of those who brought peace to Europe 80 years ago, as a service marking VE Day began. Charles left a floral tribute at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, close to Westminster Abbey's west door, on behalf of the nation and Commonwealth, during a poignant moment. A handwritten message from the King, recognising those who fought and died in the Second World War, read: 'We will never forget.' A national two minutes silence was observed before the simple ceremony, and among the congregation were veterans of the conflict who helped to defeat fascism on the continent during a war that lasted almost six years. The Prince and Princess of Wales and King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. / Credit: PA The Prince of Wales left a wreath a few moments after his father, in a tribute to Second World War veterans and the generation who lived through the conflict. Both wreaths featured flowers which would have been in bloom in May 1945. William and his wife left a handwritten note with their wreath which read: 'For those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Second World War. We will remember them.' Standing beside them was Ken Hay, 99, who served in the 4th Dorset infantry regiment. Among the guests were the Queen, the Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke of Kent and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. After almost six years of fighting against Hitler's Nazi regime, peace was declared as wartime prime minister Sir Winton Churchill made a speech on the radio declaring victory in Europe. Great-great-grandson of Winston Churchill, Alexander Churchill, 10, lights the VE Day 80th Candle at Westminster Abbey. / Credit: PA Today Churchill's great-great-grandson, ten-year-old Alexander Churchill, lit a candle of peace at Westminster Abbey, as young members of the congregation handed out white roses to Second World War veterans. Four days of commemorative events will culminate on Thursday evening with a concert in London's Horse Guards Parade attended by Charles and Camilla, with performances by The Darkness, Toploader, and classical singer Sir Willard White. People observe a nationwide two-minute silence at the National Memorial Arboretum. / Credit: PA In town squares, civic halls and churches across the country, town criers will read the VE Day proclamations as church bells toll, flags are raised and beacons are lit to honour veterans and their generation. Communities will be enjoying street parties, afternoon tea and a drink in the pub as opening hours are extended for an extra two hours. Across the regions, veterans have spoken to ITV News about their experiences. Ken Cooke, the last remaining D-Day veteran living in York, recounted the day his boat landed on the Normandy beaches. 'You could hardly see the beach for dust and smoke and explosions', he said. Mr Cooke went to visit the Normandy graves to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Elsewhere, the families of two Spitfire pilots – Bobby Oxspring and Jimmy Corbin – who fought in the Battle of Britain together, met for the first time to share memories of their relatives. In Wales, two women who live just ten minutes apart have reunited at the age of 101 to share their memories of working as codebreakers at Bletchley Park. Kathleen Morris and Gwenfron Picken only recently found out they both worked at the secretive intelligence facility. Those living in the Channel Islands prepare to celebrate liberation day from Nazi occupation on Friday. Edith Daghorn reflects on her childhood growing up under German occupation and the struggles islanders felt. Annie Duplock lied about her age to join the land army as she remembers the hard work she carried out during the war. 80,000 women were enlisted to help run the farms across the country in jobs traditionally done by men. The effort was directed from Balcombe place in Sussex. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Independent
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
‘Very important' for young to thank veterans – Churchill's great-great-grandson
Sir Winston Churchill's great-great-grandson has said it is 'very important' for his generation to thank Second World War veterans and to 'never forget' those who fought for freedom in Europe. Alexander Churchill, 10, will take part in a thanksgiving service marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) at Westminster Abbey on Thursday. He will light a candle of peace at the service, while young members of the congregation hand out white roses to veterans. Speaking before the event, Alexander said he felt 'very honoured' to have been chosen to participate in the commemoration which will be attended by the King, the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales. He added: 'My great-great-grandfather's very important to us and we're just very proud to know that he is part of our family and also I think it's very important for our generation, my generation, to say thank you to all the veterans and everyone who took part in the war because I think that's very important.' Alexander continued: 'I think people can learn that they should never forget all of the people who have sacrificed and helped us restore freedom to England and Europe and also I think it's very important that they should carry on fighting for freedom.' Of his part in the service, he added: 'I feel a bit nervous, but I think that's all right.' The live televised service will begin with a national two-minute silence in honour of those who made sacrifices during the conflict, both on the front line and at home, to protect people's freedom and shared values. Charles and William will then lay wreaths of seasonal flowers at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior. The King will do so on behalf of the nation and Commonwealth, and William for the veterans and the wartime generation. The two will be joined by Ken Hay, 99, who served in the infantry regiment. Some 78 veterans are expected to attend alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who will give a bible reading. On VE Day – May 8 1945 – short 'thanksgiving for victory' services were held every hour in the abbey from 9am to 10pm, with an estimated 25,000 people attending.
Glasgow Times
08-05-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
White roses for veterans and candle lit by Churchill descendant at VE Day event
Alexander Churchill, aged 10, will perform the gesture while young members of the congregation poignantly hand out white roses to Second World War veterans sitting in the nave of Westminster Abbey on Thursday. The King, the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales will be among those gathered for the emotive event in central London, marking 80 years since Victory in Europe Day. Alexander Churchill, 10, the great-great-grandson of Sir Winston Churchill, will play a key role in the abbey service (Aaron Chown/PA) Kate will join Camilla and other royals in laying flowers at the Innocent Victims' Memorial outside the abbey's West Door in tribute to all victims of war and oppression at the close of the proceedings. The live televised service will begin with a national two-minute silence in honour of those who made sacrifices during the conflict, both on the front line and at home, to protect people's freedom and shared values. Charles and his eldest son and heir William will then lay wreaths of seasonal flowers which would have been in bloom in May 1945 at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior. Queen Elizabeth II watches as a wreath is laid at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior at a service marking the 70th anniversary of VE Day in 2015 (Matt Dunham/PA) 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. Second World War artefacts including a gas mask and an air raid warden's helmet, representing the armed forces and the Home Front, will be processed through the abbey. The royal family will stand with the congregation as the symbols of the conflict, from the Imperial War Museum's collection, are carried and placed near the High Altar. Amid the hymns, wartime anthems will form the soundtrack to the anniversary commemorations with The White Cliffs Of Dover sung by Zizi Strallen and When The Lights Go On Again (All Over The World) played by the RAF band. The King chatting to Second World War veteran Joe Mines at a tea party in Buckingham Palace on Monday (Yui Mok/PA) At the end, the tune of We'll Meet Again will echo out. The hit was made famous by forces' sweetheart the late Dame Vera Lynn, and channelled in 2020 by Queen Elizabeth II, who expressed the sentiment in her televised address to the nation at the start of the pandemic. The music will also include Hubert Parry's Songs Of Farewell, which was sung at the late Queen's state funeral. On VE Day, the then-Princess Elizabeth, just 19, secretly celebrated among the crowds who gathered on the streets of London with sister Princess Margaret, jubilant that peace had come to Europe after Nazi Germany's surrender. A setting of words from Psalm 46 by Sir John Rutter, which was composed specially for a service to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day in 2020 that was unable to go ahead due to the Covid-19 lockdown, will be performed for the first time on television. Princess Elizabeth at the wheel of an Army vehicle when she served during the Second World War in the Auxiliary Territorial Service in 1945 (PA) An extract of Sir Winston's VE Day speech will be played in the church, and actor Josh Dylan will read a moving letter by Fredrick Burgess, a serving soldier on the front line, written to his seven-year-old son. Actress Nina Sosanya will share a letter written by Janet Thornton to her young daughters on VE Day, and Cadet Warrant Officer Bethan Holmes will read from the memoir of Joan Broome, a 15-year-old girl, of her experience of VE Day in London Some 78 veterans are expected to attend alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who will give a bible reading. Also there will be senior government and military representatives, members of the Diplomatic Corps, service chiefs, parliamentarians, former British prime ministers and representatives of faith communities. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosting a VE Day 80th anniversary street party on Downing Street (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The sermon will be delivered by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, the temporary leader of the Church in England in the absence of an Archbishop of Canterbury. The King and Queen, accompanied by members of the royal family, will meet and spend time with the veterans in the abbey's nave at the end of the service. Also there will be the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent. Camilla, Kate, Sophie, Anne and the Duchess of Gloucester will place posies and Sir Tim, the Duke of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent will leave white roses at the large circular slate Innocent Victims' Memorial on departure. The Princess of Wales joins Second World War veterans at the palace tea party at the start of the week (Jordan Pettitt/PA) The bells of the abbey church will be 'fired' 80 times – meaning all 10 bells will be sounded simultaneously to produce a powerful clashing sound. The gesture is generally reserved for great celebrations, anniversaries and rejoicing. On VE Day – May 8 1945 – short 'thanksgiving for victory' services were held every hour in the abbey from 9am to 10pm, with an estimated 25,000 people attending.
