06-05-2025
Red lanterns to be lit for VE Day 80th anniversary at Texas Panhandle War Memorial
The Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center, located at 4111 S. Georgia in Amarillo, will join other groups and the community in honoring the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) May 8, with a nighttime outdoor lantern ceremony at the center.
VE Day marked the end of hostilities in the European Theater in World War II.
The lanterns' flames represent the "light of peace" that emerged from the darkness of war, and the red represents the sacrifices made during the war.
The Daughters of the American Revolution, Ester McCory and Molly Goodnight Chapters, will hold the ceremony at 9:30 p.m. at the war memorial. They will be joining communities across the state of Texas to honor the sacrifice of our veterans and remember the 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe.
Part of the Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center is seen in this April 2022 file photo.
"Many millions paid the ultimate sacrifice to achieve victory and bring peace to a battered continent," Tim Reid, the war memorial's executive director, said in an event announcement, noting 1,079 Panhandle veterans paid the ultimate sacrifice and are memorialized on 10 granite monoliths at the war memorial.
The lighting of red lanterns will take place at 9:30 p.m. (2130), with the names of veterans read out loud, followed by the singing 'God Bless America.'
The public is encouraged to participate in the ceremony and bring a red lantern.
For more information, call 806-350-8387 or visit the website,
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: VE Day to be marked by red lantern ceremony at war memorial
