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The National
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Scotland marks VE Day amid warnings of rising global fascism
Tributes for VE Day took place nationwide today, starting with a thanksgiving service in Glasgow Cathedral earlier this afternoon. Representatives from the Royal Air Forces Association and Soldiers', Sailors' & Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA) and the Royal British Legion participated in the service, with Deputy FM Kate Forbes and Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill amongst the elected officials in attendance. A two-minute silence was observed at Scottish Government buildings at midday, with Edinburgh Castle, Victoria Quay and St Andrew's House lit in red as part of a UK-wide tribute Read more: British Israelis urge Government to act on Gaza starvation Speaking at FMQs on Thursday afternoon, Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater thanked Second World War veterans for their bravery during the conflict whilst highlighting the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Slater said: 'On this 80th anniversary marking the end of a dark chapter in history, we remember the sacrifices made by all who stood against the tyranny of fascism.' She added that 'peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of harmony' between nations, drawing attention to the parallels between the Second World War and the Israeli genocide on Palestine. Slater said: 'Yet currently we are witnessing the horrors of genocide continuing in Gaza, and fascism reappears, threatening democracy and human rights as the far right rises across the world.' Edinburgh Castle is among the historic landmarks being lit in red to mark VE Day (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)Read more: In Pictures: Nation gives thanks to veterans on the 80th anniversary of VE Day FM John Swinney also paid tribute to his late uncle, Corporal Tom Hunter, during FMQs, who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross after sacrificing himself to save his troops in Italy shortly before the end of the war.
Glasgow Times
08-05-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow falls silent to mark 80 years since VE Day
People stopped to pay their respects in businesses, streets and train stations, giving thanks for the brave men and women who fought against Nazi Germany and its allies. Members of the public were pictured in Glasgow Queen Street station pausing for a quiet moment of reflection on the 80th anniversary of VE Day. A two-minute silence was held across the city (Image: Gordon Terris)READ MORE: Secret documents of Glasgow war hero found in old desk The silence came ahead of a service of thanksgiving at Glasgow Cathedral at 1pm, with guests including representatives from the military, veterans' organisations, emergency services and religious groups. Members of the Royal British Legion, the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA), and the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA) will be taking part in the service, along with their families. A man pays respect to those who died during the Second World War (Image: Gordon Terris)A number of elected officials are also set to be in attendance, including Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes and Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill. READ MORE: Do you know Glasgow war hero nurse who helped in Clydebank Blitz? The two-minute silence was observed in Glasgow Queen Street (Image: Gordon Terris) Speaking ahead of the service Ms McNeill said: 'It's a huge privilege to attend the VE Day Commemoration in Glasgow to honour all the men and women in Scotland who served during the Second World War, and also to recognise the great sacrifice of the people of Glasgow during the Clydebank Blitz in March 1941. 'We owe our lives to those who served, and what will be a moving ceremony in Glasgow Cathedral is a fitting reminder of that.' Lord Provost of Glasgow Jacqueline McLaren said: 'Thursday's service in Glasgow Cathedral is a time for us to come together to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made, courage displayed and the resilience of those who put their lives on the line to keep us safe and help build a better world. 'It's also a day to rejoice in peace and freedom, sometimes things that we take for granted. I hope as many people as possible can come along to join us in tribute and celebration.' Reverend Mark Johnstone, minister at Glasgow Cathedral, added: 'We look forward to welcoming people from all walks of life, people of faith and none, as we reflect, give thanks and pray for a better tomorrow. 'Although there are increasingly few veterans still alive, the world we live in today was shaped by the outcome of the Second World War.'
The Herald Scotland
08-05-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Scots fall silent to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day
The moment of reflection came ahead of a service of thanksgiving at Glasgow Cathedral at 1pm, with guests including representatives from the military, veterans' organisations, emergency services and religious groups. Members of the Royal British Legion, the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA), and the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA) will be taking part in the service, along with their families. A number of elected officials are also set to be in attendance, including Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes and Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill. Speaking ahead of the service Ms McNeill said: 'It's a huge privilege to attend the VE Day Commemoration in Glasgow to honour all the men and women in Scotland who served during the Second World War, and also to recognise the great sacrifice of the people of Glasgow during the Clydebank Blitz in March 1941. 'We owe our lives to those who served, and what will be a moving ceremony in Glasgow Cathedral is a fitting reminder of that.' READ MORE: Lord Provost of Glasgow Jacqueline McLaren said: 'Thursday's service in Glasgow Cathedral is a time for us to come together to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made, courage displayed and the resilience of those who put their lives on the line to keep us safe and help build a better world. 'It's also a day to rejoice in peace and freedom, sometimes things that we take for granted. I hope as many people as possible can come along to join us in tribute and celebration.' Reverend Mark Johnstone, minister at Glasgow Cathedral, added: 'We look forward to welcoming people from all walks of life, people of faith and none, as we reflect, give thanks and pray for a better tomorrow. 'Although there are increasingly few veterans still alive, the world we live in today was shaped by the outcome of the Second World War.' Meanwhile, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray is set to visit Lady Haig's Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, where he will meet 99-year-old VE Day veterans Margaret Landels and George McLeod, as well as a number of other military veterans. The factory has been producing poppies in Scotland since 1926, and its team of ex-service men and women produce millions of poppies and tens of thousands of wreaths, remembrance symbols and long-stem poppies each year. Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Murray said: 'VE Day is a moment for us all to give thanks to the wartime generation. We thank all those who served at home and abroad, who gave so much to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today. 'Of course, the war was not over until VJ Day, but VE Day marked a crucial turning point in the war and in our history, and it is right that we continue to mark it 80 years on.' The anniversary is also being marked in Scottish Government buildings, where a two-minute silence will be observed at midday. The Scottish Government's Victoria Quay and St Andrew's House buildings in Edinburgh will also continue to be lit up in red as part of a campaign to light significant buildings across the UK. Edinburgh Castle was among the buildings to be lit up in red on Tuesday in the run-up to the anniversary. Memorial events are also set to continue in Lerwick aboard vessels that arrived there from Norway on Tuesday, in commemoration of the Shetland Bus that operated between Scotland and Norway during the war. The events mark 80 years to the day since the formal acceptance by the Allies of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender on May 8 1945, bringing the Second World War in Europe to an end after more than five years of bitter fighting.
Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Britain celebrates 80th anniversary of WW2's end in Europe with major events
Today marks eight decades since the most deadly conflict the world has ever seen came to a triumphant end - with Brits set to remember the sacrifices of the brave men and women who risked their lives to stomp out the evils of fascism. The sacrifices of the Second World War veterans and their generation will be remembered during a national service of thanksgiving to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. While the main event will be held in London, with King Charles, Queen Camilla, and other members of the royal family coming together for a memorial service at Westminster Abbey at 12pm, street parties and thanksgiving events will also be taking place up and down the country. The service will start with a two-minute silence to remember Britain's war dead . Similar services will also be held abroad, with Germany even set to make Victory in Europe Day a public holiday for the first time in history. The commemorations in the UK, which follow on from Monday's Bank Holiday celebrations, will conclude with a concert at Horse Guards Parade where crowds of 10,000 people are expected to attend. Stars like John Newman, dames Joan Collins, Mary Berry and Sheila Hancock will be retelling the harrowing stories of what life was like under the bleak cloud of war. Scotland will be holdind a number of events around the country to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. At 1pm, a thanksgiving service is being held at Glasgow Cathedral. Among the guests will be military representatives, veterans' organisations, emergency responders and religious groups. Members of the Royal British Legion, the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA), and the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA) will be taking part in the service. Politicians will also attend, including deputy first minister Kate Forbes and Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill. Identical twins born on VE Day will celebrate their 80th birthdays together. Pamela and Victoria Gamesby were born in their grandparents' front parlour in Orwell Street, Middlesbrough, on May 8, 1945 as crowds gathered to celebrate VE Day. Pamela was first born, weighing 4lbs, closely followed by 3lb Victoria – a true surprise package because parents Jack and Clare Gamesby had no idea they were having twins. The family briefly became local celebrities, with a photo of the proud parents and their VE Day duo appearing in the Gazette. And for an unexpected VE Day baby, Victoria's full name – Victoria May – was very deliberately chosen, reports Teesside Live. Throughout their lives, the pair have had an inseparable bond that perhaps only twins can understand. And although Victoria – known as Vicky – now has dementia, Pam will be by her side as usual for a birthday celebration at the Rugby care home Vicky now lives – known as Pam – said: 'The doctor didn't think we would survive but we're still here 80 years later." Veterans affected by the ban on LGBT people in the military will take part in official VE Day Commemorations today for the first time. They'll take part in a service at Westminster Abbey, and in a concert in the evening on nearby Horse Guards Parade. They include Vito Ward, who was discharged in 1970 from the Women's Royal Naval Service for being gay. She said: "This is a very special occasion for me as a newly reinstated veteran. If anyone had said to me I'd be included in official VE Day events - even ten years ago- I'd never have believed them."It comes the day after Lord Etherton, the first openly gay High Court judge, who led the government's damning review into the ban, died aged 73. As many as 20,000 armed forces personnel were jailed, dismissed for their sexuality or outed against their will before the rule on service was lifted in 2000. Then-PM Rishi Sunak finally said sorry last July, in a victory for campaigners and the charity Fighting With Pride - with victims promised compensation. LGBT ban victims take part in official VE Day celebrations for the first time Eighty years ago today, millions of Britons took to the streets to celebrate the defeat of Nazi Germany and the end of World War 2. News that the war had ended in Europe was broadcast by the BBC over the radio to a delighted public late on May 7. Brits were told the following day, May 8, would be a national holiday called Victory in Europe Day. It led to incredible scenes with events organised across the country, including parades and street parties, as communities came together to mark the end of nearly six years of war. On VE Day, Winston Churchill made a national radio broadcast and later appeared in central London in front of huge cheering crowds. Huge numbers of people also gathered at Buckingham Palace, where King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and their daughters, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, appeared. VE Day LIVE as it happened in 1945 when Brits celebrated end of WW2 in Europe Sir Keir Starmer is currently giving a press conference as VE Day is set to begin. You can watch along with his speech below. Hundreds of street parties, parades and events are being held across the UK this week as the nation marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day - put your postcode into our interactive guide to see if there is an event near you. Local councils around the country will be closing roads for communities to come together in street parties to celebrate the anniversary. There are also events planned in town halls, community centres, churches and schools in every area. Other events planned for this 80th milestone, include local beacon lighting events across the four countries of the United Kingdom, picnics in the parks, musical events, and parades. A survey of councils found that Portsmouth was among the areas most likely to hold a street party this week with thirty-two residential streets closed off. In Wales, it's Merthyr Tydfil with nine. In the London borough of Redbridge there are 20 street closures for neighbourhood parties. VE Day events list in full: Search your postcode to find out what is happening near you
Powys County Times
08-05-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Nation to pay tribute to wartime heroes on 80th anniversary of VE Day
Scotland is set to pay tribute to its wartime heroes with events taking place around the country to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. A service of thanksgiving will take place at Glasgow Cathedral at 1pm, with guests including representatives from the military, veterans' organisations, emergency services and religious groups. Members of the Royal British Legion, the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA), and the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA) will be taking part in the service, along with their families. A number of elected officials are also set to be in attendance, including Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes and Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill. Speaking ahead of the service Ms McNeill said: 'It's a huge privilege to attend the VE Day Commemoration in Glasgow to honour all the men and women in Scotland who served during the Second World War, and also to recognise the great sacrifice of the people of Glasgow during the Clydebank Blitz in March 1941. 'We owe our lives to those who served, and what will be a moving ceremony in Glasgow Cathedral is a fitting reminder of that.' Lord Provost of Glasgow Jacqueline McLaren said: 'Thursday's service in Glasgow Cathedral is a time for us to come together to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made, courage displayed and the resilience of those who put their lives on the line to keep us safe and help build a better world. 'It's also a day to rejoice in peace and freedom, sometimes things that we take for granted. I hope as many people as possible can come along to join us in tribute and celebration.' Reverend Mark Johnstone, minister at Glasgow Cathedral, added: 'We look forward to welcoming people from all walks of life, people of faith and none, as we reflect, give thanks and pray for a better tomorrow. 'Although there are increasingly few veterans still alive, the world we live in today was shaped by the outcome of the Second World War.' Meanwhile, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray is set to visit Lady Haig's Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, where he will meet 99-year-old VE Day veterans Margaret Landels and George McLeod, as well as a number of other military veterans. The factory has been producing poppies in Scotland since 1926, and its team of ex-service men and women produce millions of poppies and tens of thousands of wreaths, remembrance symbols and long-stem poppies each year. Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Murray said: 'VE Day is a moment for us all to give thanks to the wartime generation. We thank all those who served at home and abroad, who gave so much to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today. 'Of course, the war was not over until VJ Day, but VE Day marked a crucial turning point in the war and in our history, and it is right that we continue to mark it 80 years on.' The anniversary is also being marked in Scottish Government buildings, where a two-minute silence will be observed at midday. The Scottish Government's Victoria Quay and St Andrew's House buildings in Edinburgh will also continue to be lit up in red as part of a campaign to light significant buildings across the UK. Edinburgh Castle was among the buildings to be lit up in red on Tuesday in the run-up to the anniversary. Memorial events are also set to continue in Lerwick aboard vessels that arrived there from Norway on Tuesday, in commemoration of the Shetland Bus that operated between Scotland and Norway during the war. The events mark 80 years to the day since the formal acceptance by the Allies of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender on May 8 1945, bringing the Second World War in Europe to an end after more than five years of bitter fighting.
