09-05-2025
80 years of VE Day honoured in Newport's Edward German Crescent
80 years since Victory in Europe Day was honoured at an event put on by Newport Council and the Royal British Legion.
This year's VE Day was particularly significant as it marks 80 years since Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender against allied forces in 1945.
The event put on yesterday (May 8) was held at Queen Elizabeth II Playing Field in Edward German Crescent.
Many members of the public and armed forces personnel showed up to pay respect and acknowledge the end of war in Europe. Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Robert Aitken 68 at the VE Day event in Edward German Crescent (Image: NQ) Speaking of the event Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Robert Aitken 68 said:
"It's fabulous that Newport is doing this, it's very important for us all to remember the sacrifices that were made by people 80 plus years ago meant for us all.
"It's terribly important that we remember the service that is given by our men and women that is given in the armed forces."
Standard Bearers Anne-Marie Cobley 52 and Graham Smith 81 stood with Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Robert Aitken 68 (Image: NQ) 81-year-old Graham Smith Standard Bearer for The Royal Welsh Newport regiment was able to recall what post war life was like for people in Gwent.
He said: "Well obviously we are very proud to be here as coming from my age as it is we remember the tail end of the war.
"I remember the hard living the battle books and having to live on what we were allowed to purchase. So, we remember all that.
"More so, we remember family members that went away and never came home.
There were a lot of people in Newport that in my family and other people at the time that suited up and never came home.
"Coming here is just our tribute to them to say thank you for putting your lives on the line and defending us and letting us have the life we've got today.'
Newport Male Voice Choir at the VE Day event in Edward German Crescent (Image: NQ) A range of entertainment was provided.
Wartime songs such as Vera Lyne's 'We'll Meet Again' and 'White Cliffs of Dover' were played.
Newport Male Voice Choir also put on a selection of Welsh and war themed hymns.
Choir Master Marc Main 61 said: 'We are very proud to support the event a lot of us are ex forces. I'm ex RAF myself."
The lit beacon paying tribute to 80 years of VE Day (Image: NQ) The main event however was a national beacon lighting that took place at 9:30pm and was held at VE Day events across the country.
The significant moment was followed by a moments silence to reflect then the Welsh National Anthem.
Standard Bearers Anne-Marie Cobley 52 and Graham Smith 81 in front of the lit beacon (Image: NQ) John Griffths MS for Newport East Said: 'Everybody's so conscious of the need to remember the sacrifices that were made during the second world war, so we can have the way of life that we hold so precious today."
"I think today the world can be such a dangerous place and there are so many wars so today that crucial message of peace is a big part of this."
