07-05-2025
A time to reflect on the bravery and resolve that brought victory in 1945
SIR – Like Allison Pearson, I felt a sense of melancholy during the VE Day parade last Monday ('Britain is not worthy of the sacrifice our soldiers made 80 years ago', Comment, May 7).
It was not just the sparser-than-usual crowds, but also the eerie feeling that we haven't learnt the lessons of history. As David Blair wrote ('Western leaders are wilfully squandering the triumph of VE Day', Comment, May 5), the only lesson worth learning is that we must be eternally vigilant.
After the horrors of the Second World War, what use is all this impressive pageantry, if we are too ill-equipped to deter our enemies, and lack the resolve to defend the values that those brave veterans fought for?
Stan Labovitch
Windsor, Berkshire
SIR – As we celebrate the end of the Second World War in Europe, I note that we hear daily of one conflict or another raging somewhere in the world – Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Hamas, India and Pakistan.
The lessons from history seem never to find their way to the subsequent generations of political leaders.
Rob Mason
Nailsea, Somerset
SIR – On this anniversary of VE Day, I was reminded of my mother's contribution to our street party celebrations 80 years ago. She made lots of blancmanges in red, white and blue for all the tables. However, as food colouring was not available, I was sent out to buy red and blue inks. The blancmanges were a great success.
Rosemary Cogswell
Keston, Kent
SIR – My memories of the war are still vivid. As an eight-year-old, I was taken by my mother to Beckenham Junction to see the trains carrying soldiers who had been evacuated from Dunkirk. As the carriages slowed down, people threw cigarettes and sweets through the windows for them.
Michael Gates
Eastbourne, East Sussex
SIR – We certainly danced in the streets on VE day: no more bombs or fear, though we did not let off fireworks or light bonfires 'just in case'. I will always remember the songs we sang.
But we did not forget our boys who were still in Japanese hands, though none of us knew the full horror of what they experienced until they returned home. In both instances, rejoicing and sadness were mixed.
Patricia F G Nidd
Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire
SIR – Welcome though the celebrations for VE Day are, I feel that it is a great shame that VJ Day is not remembered in the same way. The end of the war in Europe was not the end of the Second World War. The South-East Asia campaign was largely ignored, hence Lord Mountbatten's reference to the Forgotten Army, which was still fighting.
My father was with the RAF in Burma and didn't return home until late in 1946, long after all the celebrations had ceased. We will remember them on August 15 this year, but will there be the same level of national recognition 80 years on?
K Turfrey
Kenilworth, Warwickshire
SIR – As part of the celebrations, I decided to look for some additional Union flags to decorate our street. Alas, none was to be found – only birthday and Pride flags were on display.
When did it become so hard to buy our national flag? Even when you do find one, it often comes with a Made in China label.
Bobby Angelov
Falmouth, Cornwall
SIR – Watching the VE Day parade on Monday, I was struck by how lucky we are with our Royal family. They carry out their duties with dignity and compassion, and are excellent representatives for our country.
Malcolm Allen
Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire
