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Metro
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Metro
VE Day: Party leaders write for Metro on momentous anniversary
As the VE Day celebrations get underway across the country, party leaders are reflecting on what the day means to them. A week-long series of events kicked off on Monday with a tribute from the King, a military procession, and a fly past to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch have written their thoughts on the historic occasion for Metro. Now, the leaders of the three largest UK-wide parties in the House of Commons – the Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, and the Green Party, write below about the importance of the day, the historical significance, and what VE Day means in 2025. 80 years ago today, huge crowds of people gathered outside Buckingham Palace and on Whitehall, jubilantly waving Union Flags as they came together to celebrate the news that Britain and our allies had defeated the Nazis and secured victory in Europe. Craig Munro breaks down Westminster chaos into easy to follow insight, walking you through what the latest policies mean to you. Sign up here. It was without doubt one of our country's finest hours. As Winston Churchill told those crowds, this was a victory of the great British nation as a whole. A nation that had bravely stood alone against the Nazis when no one else dared. Today and always we should be proud of everything they achieved, and remember with gratitude all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our country and our freedoms – who gave their tomorrows for our todays. 'We were the first, in this ancient island, to draw the sword against tyranny,' Churchill said. 'After a while, we were left all alone against the most tremendous military power that has been seen… The lights went out and the bombs came down. But every man, woman and child in the country had no thought of quitting the struggle.' What it must've felt like for the people in those crowds – parents who had lost sons on the beaches of Normandy, women who had lost husbands in the skies over England at the Battle of Britain, families who had lost loved ones to German bombs. Everyone who had weathered the Blitz, the blackouts and the ration books. Who sacrificed so much over so many years of death and destruction. The joy of that victory, the pain of their grief, the sheer relief that it was all over – so many emotions whirling together on the Mall and all over the country. Above all, it was a moment when people were starting to hope again, to look to the future with real optimism. And, after six long years of leading the world in standing up to Hitler and defeating facism, Britain took up the challenge of leadership again – not in war, but in peace. We led the world in building what came next. We helped to forge new forums to foster peace, uphold human rights and improve trade and economic cooperation – from NATO and the United Nations to the European Convention on Human Rights and the Bretton Woods monetary system. Amidst the rubble of war, in the shadow of the Holocaust, and with the looming spectre of nuclear weapons, British leadership offered real hope for the world. And despite all the challenges that have followed – all the trials and tribulations of the past eighty years – there is no doubt that the world has been better for it, as a result of British leadership. In war and in peace, the United Kingdom has remained a powerful force for good: standing tall in the world, championing our values and working together with others. That is what the world needed 80 years ago, and it's what the world needs so badly again now. Ed Davey MP is the leader of the Liberal Democrats Today is a day not only to reflect on the joint triumph of European and American forces and mourn the millions of lives lost, but also to express gratitude for our shared heritage and pride in our national history. As we approach one of the final VE Day commemorations with living World War II veterans, it is more important than ever to honour their extraordinary sacrifices and fearless courage. They represent one of the last generations of Britons who stood firm in defence of democracy and prevailed against tyranny. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Yet now we find ourselves at a time where national pride in our history is declining — down 22% — and record numbers are considering leaving Britain altogether. In this moment of reflection, we must remember not only what was fought for, but why it mattered. VE Day serves as a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and the values that have shaped our nation — and why they are worth preserving. For me, there are several key factors behind the growing lack of pride in our nation's history: A political class that shows contempt for our heritage and traditions; an education system more focused on ideological indoctrination than genuine learning; and a population explosion rapidly changing the makeup of our country. VE Day is a good time to reflect on what makes us Proud to be British. Thanks in large part to our Christian roots, we have long been one of the most accepting countries in the world – welcoming those in genuine need. We have opened our doors to Protestants from France, Jews fleeing Russia, Asians expelled from Uganda, countless refugees during World War Two, and more recently, Ukrainians escaping the attacks on home soil. So many of those people have contributed great things to this country and that cannot be overlooked. But there are undoubtedly those who show no appreciation for being here; those who do pose a threat to others and our British identity. Increasingly, young people are unaware of the significance of VE day, unaware of the great history of Britain, and unsure they want to remain and build a future here. For any country to thrive, they must be unified by a common belief or background – regardless of skin color or ethnicity, they must be proud of their commonalities. For the kind of patriotism and prosperity that we are celebrating today to exist, people must also feel like their ruling class works for them and governs solely in their best interests. Those failures are what brought me out of retirement to lead Reform UK. Our mission is not only to revive a struggling economy, fix a broken NHS, and reclaim control of our borders – but to unite the country around what binds us: A deep respect for the British values, culture, and tradition that are being celebrated. Above all, the government must serve its own people, as our wartime leaders did. That principle has been lost, and it's what we are determined to restore. So I hope that people take the time to show respect to our veterans, our history, and our culture on this anniversary of Victory in Europe, and beyond. Nigel Farage MP is the leader of Reform UK This week, we commemorate 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe – the deadliest conflict in history, which claimed over 50 million lives, including the murder of six million Jewish people in the Holocaust. We remember the lives lost, and we give our deepest thanks to the veterans who fought to protect our freedoms. When we talk about those awful events, we often say 'never again.' But too often, we let those words remain just that – words. Sometimes the horror of what happened during that dark period of history can blind us to the ways in which the roots of the destruction – totalitarianism, prejudice, and intolerance – might creep into our own societies today. Today, governments across the world are restricting the freedoms of their citizens, pursuing aggressive territorial expansion, and exploiting social divisions to consolidate their power. Take Hungary's recent ban on Pride parades and other LGBTQ+ gatherings. Russia's intensifying crackdown on free speech and Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine. Or the Trump administration's terrifying wave of deportations that seem to be targeting people who have expressed support for Palestine. Saying 'never again' comes with a responsibility to keep our eyes open to what is happening in the world around us. To the language used by political leaders to demonise (like Trump calling Mexicans 'drug dealers, criminals and rapists'); to dehumanise (referring to migrants as hordes, or Palestinians as 'vermin'); and to divide (like those pitting 'Judeo-Christian values' against 'alien' cultures). More Trending And 'never again' comes with a responsibility to actively resist these attempts to undermine our bonds to the people around us, whatever our faith, our country of birth, or the colour of our skin. That means keeping hold of our empathy. Being willing to listen. Trying our best to understand experiences that are not like ours. We've learnt that when political leaders pursue power, control, and territory, it's ordinary people who pay – whether that's with our freedoms, our humanity, or our lives. Carla Denyer is the co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: Kemi Badenoch: Britain risks losing the spirit of Churchill and VE Day MORE: I'm begging Stacey Solomon to put an end to her reality show MORE: Hidden references and no trousers – the hits and misses of the Met Gala
The Guardian
05-05-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
VE Day 80th anniversary ceremony to begin with flypast and military procession in central London
Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature Keir Starmer has praised the 'selfless dedication' of those who have served in the military before the anniversary of VE Day as the government unveiled a new £50m support system for veterans. In an open letter to mark 80 years since the end of the second world war in Europe, the prime minister said the sacrifice made by members of the armed forces was a debt that could 'never fully be repaid'. He said the country would show how thankful it was during events to commemorate VE Day, which signalled the end of fighting on 8 May 1945. 'It was also a victory for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil,' Starmer wrote. 'VE Day is a chance to acknowledge, again, that our debt to those who achieved it can never fully be repaid.' Starmer said his thoughts would turn both to those who served in the second world war and those who carried 'the torch of their legacy' today. 'Alongside our history and our values, service is the other great force that binds a nation together,' he said. 'So this week, I want you to know: the whole nation is inspired by the selfless dedication of your example.' Share Midday BST: The ceremony begins in Parliament Square when Big Ben strikes midday, and an actor will recite extracts from the iconic Winston Churchill VE Day speech. A young person will then pass the Commonwealth War Graves Torch for Peace to Alan Kennett, 100, a Second World War veteran who served in the Normandy campaign. The Torch for Peace is an enduring symbol, honouring the contributions made by individuals, which will act as a baton to pass and share stories to future generations. At 12.10 BST The procession will make its way to Buckingham Palace. The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery will then lead the procession from Parliament Square, down Whitehall and past the Cenotaph which will be dressed in Union Flags, through Admiralty Arch and up The Mall through to Buckingham Palace where the procession will finish. They will be followed by a tri-service procession group featuring marching members of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army and the Royal Air Force. Cadets from all three services and other uniformed youth groups will also take part in the procession to ensure the message of VE Day is handed down to a new generation. The Prime Minister and Second World War veterans supported by the Royal British Legion will watch the procession from a specially built dais on the Queen Victoria Memorial. The King and Queen will be joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales to watch the procession At 1.45pm BST a flypast featuring the Red Arrows and current and historic aircraft will take place The King and Queen will host a tea party at Buckingham Palace for veterans, families and members of the wartime generation. VE Day 80 street parties, picnics and community events will take place around the country. Share Welcome to live coverage of the UK commemorations of VE Day. On 8 May 1945, Winston Churchill announced that the war in Europe was over and crowd took to the streets to celebrate. Commemorative evens will be held across the UK and further afield over the next week to mark the anniversary with a procession down Whitehall and a flypast from the Red Arrows over central London later today. There will be a service in Westminster Abbey on Thursday and, in August, another commemoration of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day). Share Explore more on these topics
Scottish Sun
03-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
‘It felt like freedom… it was a party like no other' – three remarkable women share their memories of VE Day 80 years on
Scroll down to read the stories of a D-Day heroine, a naval officer and an evacuee HOME FREE 'It felt like freedom… it was a party like no other' – three remarkable women share their memories of VE Day 80 years on AS news broke that peace had been declared on May 8, 1945, the people of Britain spontaneously took to the streets for the biggest party the country had ever seen. And on Thursday, we will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, when Nazi Germany formally surrendered. Advertisement 7 Jubilant Brits celebrate in the streets on VE Day in 1945 Credit: Alamy In a radio broadcast, then PM Winston Churchill said: 'We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing.' Thousands flocked to the streets of London, waving Union Flags and singing patriotic songs. King George VI, accompanied by his daughters, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to the delight of the cheering crowds. Today, we share the recollections of three remarkable women who were part of that momentous day eight decades ago. Advertisement THE D-DAY HEROINE AFTER proudly shaping history from a secret bunker in Portsmouth during the war, Marie Scott couldn't wait to join the excited VE Day throng in London. She had been serving her country as a Royal Navy signaller, but was given special leave to travel to the capital for the extraordinary day of celebrations. 7 Marie Scott served her country as a Royal Navy signaller and was based in a bunker at Portsmouth Credit: Dan Charity 7 Marie, now 98, of New Malden, Surrey, fondly recalls the atmosphere in London on VE Day Credit: Dan Charity Advertisement Marie, now 98, of New Malden, Surrey, fondly recalls the atmosphere. She said: 'London was manic, everybody was absolutely overjoyed, kissing and embracing. 'And if they saw you in a uniform — as I was — you were assailed by kisses and embraces for hours. 'Some of the kisses were repulsive, others not too bad. Advertisement Brits to get Bank Holiday bonanza this year to celebrate VE Day with star-studded concert, flypast & 4 days of events 'People had queued down the Mall and all the spots where they'd see the Royal Family or notables or celebrities. 'I remember, and I remember it well.' After the war ended, Marie went on to work as a secretary, married Maurice, an accountant, and they had daughters Gill, 66, and Cari, 64. She will be commemorating the fallen alongside other veterans at Westminster Abbey on Thursday. Advertisement Marie believes it is vital to keep memories of VE Day alive. She said: 'The veterans are becoming quite rare now. 'We're all dropping off the perch and, within a foreseeable future, there will be nobody left to talk about their participation in World War Two. 'We fought for a just cause. Advertisement 'Millions died and all that sacrifice should be honoured and respected.' Marie, who was 18 on VE Day, added: 'It really was the best night of my life. 'A lot of time has passed, but I remember it still so clearly. 'It was full of relief, joy and happiness.' Advertisement I don't remember if we observed the 10pm curfew, I just remember the noise. It felt like was a party like no other Jean Green THE NAVAL OFFICER JEAN GREEN and her pals partied well into the night as revellers rejoiced over the end of the conflict. Now 102, she vividly recalls the moment she heard that peace had been declared while serving at the Royal Naval Air Station at Eastleigh, Hants, then known as HMS Raven. 7 Jean Green, 102, pictured with John Eskdale, and her pals partied well into the night as revellers rejoiced over the end of the conflict Credit: Huw Evans 7 Jean vividly recalls the moment she heard that peace had been declared while serving at HMS Raven Credit: Supplied Advertisement Jean said: 'The news went round so fast and there was such a hum of excitement. 'Lots of us were given the day off, so we all headed to London. 'The train station was packed, but the atmosphere was amazing. 'I don't remember whether we observed our usual 10pm curfew that night, but I very much doubt it. Advertisement 'I remember the noise and how happy everyone was. 'It felt like freedom, it was a celebration like no other.' But while Jean, from Norwich, reflects on the celebrations fondly, victory in Europe also meant a sad end to her military service. Jean, who looked after the conscripts' rations in the regulating office, said: 'The women I shared a cabin with became some of my best friends. Advertisement 'We'd spent three years living together in a tiny space and working together, and became so close. 'Knowing we all had to go back home to our lives was tinged with sadness. 'We kept in touch but it was never the same. 'I was delighted the war ended, but it marked the end of a part of my life which I loved.' Advertisement After the war, Jean married Bill, an airman she met while serving, and became a full-time mum to their children, Colin and Geraldine. She will be celebrating VE Day quietly at home. THE EVACUEE EVACUEE Doreen Simson, 87, still treasures happy memories of being reunited with her family for VE Day. As a little girl, she had been dispatched to rural Wales from her home in London to keep her safe from bombs blitzing the capital. Advertisement 7 Evacuee Doreen Simson, 87, still treasures happy memories of being reunited with her family for VE Day Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun 7 A young evacuee Doreen, circled, at a kids' street party Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun She said: 'I came back to London and everybody was dressed up. 'I remember that day — it was lovely.' Advertisement A former florist from Crawley, West Sussex, Doreen went on to marry Brian, a TV engineer. They had a son, Lee, 64. She will be attending the special anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Thursday. And she agrees that it is important to mark this historic occasion. Advertisement Reflecting on how children faced living with strangers to avoid the devastation of the war, she said: 'People forget what us evacuees gave up. 'I was crying because my brother and I had been parted. 'Could you imagine it now? No vetting. 'You're going away to catch a train. Advertisement 'Four years old, label on coat, teddy bear under arm, crying parents, screaming children. 'Strange place, strange people. 'Where's my mum? Where's my dad?'. 'The tears still flow remembering that day they took me away on a train.' But she said of the household that took her in: 'This little cockney Londoner stayed nearly four years with them. Advertisement 'It changed my life. 'When I came back, I spoke nicely — soon lost it, though. 'My life has been enriched by the lady that took me. 'It just makes me so emotional, still.'
The Irish Sun
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘It felt like freedom… it was a party like no other' – three remarkable women share their memories of VE Day 80 years on
AS news broke that peace had been declared on May 8, 1945, the people of Britain spontaneously took to the streets for the biggest party the country had ever seen. And on Thursday, we will mark the Advertisement 7 Jubilant Brits celebrate in the streets on VE Day in 1945 Credit: Alamy In a radio broadcast, then PM Winston Churchill said: 'We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing.' Thousands flocked to the streets of London, waving Union Flags and singing patriotic songs. Today, we share the recollections of three remarkable women who were part of that momentous day eight decades ago. Advertisement Read More on UK News THE D-DAY HEROINE AFTER proudly shaping history from a secret bunker in Portsmouth during the war, Marie Scott couldn't wait to join the excited VE Day throng in London. She had been serving her country as a Royal Navy signaller, but was given special leave to travel to the capital for the extraordinary day of celebrations. 7 Marie Scott served her country as a Royal Navy signaller and was based in a bunker at Portsmouth Credit: Dan Charity 7 Marie, now 98, of New Malden, Surrey, fondly recalls the atmosphere in London on VE Day Credit: Dan Charity Advertisement Marie, now 98, of New Malden, Surrey, fondly recalls the atmosphere. She said: 'London was manic, everybody was absolutely overjoyed, kissing and embracing. Most read in The Sun 'And if they saw you in a uniform — as I was — you were assailed by kisses and embraces for hours. 'Some of the kisses were repulsive, others not too bad. Advertisement Brits to get Bank Holiday bonanza this year to celebrate VE Day with star-studded concert, flypast & 4 days of events 'People had queued down the Mall and all the spots where they'd see the Royal Family or notables or celebrities. 'I remember, and I remember it well.' After the war ended, Marie went on to work as a secretary, married Maurice, an accountant, and they had daughters Gill, 66, and Cari, 64. She will be commemorating the fallen alongside other veterans at Advertisement Marie believes it is vital to keep memories of VE Day alive. She said: 'The veterans are becoming quite rare now. 'We're all dropping off the perch and, within a foreseeable future, there will be nobody left to talk about their participation in World War Two. 'We fought for a just cause. Advertisement 'Millions died and all that sacrifice should be honoured and respected.' Marie, who was 18 on VE Day, added: 'It really was the best night of my life. 'A lot of time has passed, but I remember it still so clearly. 'It was full of relief, joy and happiness.' Advertisement I don't remember if we observed the 10pm curfew, I just remember the noise. It felt like was a party like no other Jean Green THE NAVAL OFFICER JEAN GREEN and her pals partied well into the night as revellers rejoiced over the end of the conflict. Now 102, she vividly recalls the moment she heard that peace had been declared while serving at the Royal Naval Air Station at Eastleigh, Hants, then known as HMS Raven. 7 Jean Green, 102, pictured with John Eskdale, and her pals partied well into the night as revellers rejoiced over the end of the conflict Credit: Huw Evans 7 Jean vividly recalls the moment she heard that peace had been declared while serving at HMS Raven Credit: Supplied Advertisement Jean said: 'The news went round so fast and there was such a hum of excitement. 'Lots of us were given the day off, so we all headed to London. 'The train station was packed, but the atmosphere was amazing. 'I don't remember whether we observed our usual 10pm curfew that night, but I very much doubt it. Advertisement 'I remember the noise and how happy everyone was. 'It felt like freedom, it was a celebration like no other.' But while Jean, from Norwich, reflects on the celebrations fondly, victory in Europe also meant a sad end to her military service. Jean, who looked after the conscripts' rations in the regulating office, said: 'The women I shared a cabin with became some of my best friends. Advertisement 'We'd spent three years living together in a tiny space and working together, and became so close. 'Knowing we all had to go back home to our lives was tinged with sadness. 'We kept in touch but it was never the same. 'I was delighted the war ended, but it marked the end of a part of my life which I loved.' Advertisement After the war, Jean married Bill, an airman she met while serving, and became a full-time mum to their children, Colin and Geraldine. She will be celebrating THE EVACUEE EVACUEE Doreen Simson, 87, still treasures happy memories of being reunited with her family for As a little girl, she had been dispatched to rural Wales from her home in London to keep her safe from bombs blitzing the capital. Advertisement 7 Evacuee Doreen Simson, 87, still treasures happy memories of being reunited with her family for VE Day Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun 7 A young evacuee Doreen, circled, at a kids' street party Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun She said: 'I came back to London and everybody was dressed up. 'I remember that day — it was lovely.' Advertisement A former florist from Crawley, West Sussex, Doreen went on to marry Brian, a TV engineer. They had a son, Lee, 64. She will be attending the special anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Thursday. And she agrees that it is important to mark this historic occasion. Advertisement Reflecting on how children faced living with strangers to avoid the devastation of the war, she said: 'People forget what us evacuees gave up. 'I was crying because my brother and I had been parted. 'Could you imagine it now? No vetting. 'You're going away to catch a train. Advertisement 'Four years old, label on coat, teddy bear under arm, crying parents, screaming children. 'Strange place, strange people. 'Where's my mum? Where's my dad?'. 'The tears still flow remembering that day they took me away on a train.' But she said of the household that took her in: 'This little cockney Londoner stayed nearly four years with them. Advertisement 'It changed my life. 'When I came back, I spoke nicely — soon lost it, though. 'My life has been enriched by the lady that took me. 'It just makes me so emotional, still.' Advertisement
The Sun
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘It felt like freedom… it was a party like no other' – three remarkable women share their memories of VE Day 80 years on
AS news broke that peace had been declared on May 8, 1945, the people of Britain spontaneously took to the streets for the biggest party the country had ever seen. And on Thursday, we will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, when Nazi Germany formally surrendered. In a radio broadcast, then PM Winston Churchill said: 'We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing.' Thousands flocked to the streets of London, waving Union Flags and singing patriotic songs. King George VI, accompanied by his daughters, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to the delight of the cheering crowds. Today, we share the recollections of three remarkable women who were part of that momentous day eight decades ago. THE D-DAY HEROINE AFTER proudly shaping history from a secret bunker in Portsmouth during the war, Marie Scott couldn't wait to join the excited VE Day throng in London. She had been serving her country as a Royal Navy signaller, but was given special leave to travel to the capital for the extraordinary day of celebrations. 7 7 Marie, now 98, of New Malden, Surrey, fondly recalls the atmosphere. She said: 'London was manic, everybody was absolutely overjoyed, kissing and embracing. 'And if they saw you in a uniform — as I was — you were assailed by kisses and embraces for hours. 'Some of the kisses were repulsive, others not too bad. Brits to get Bank Holiday bonanza this year to celebrate VE Day with star-studded concert, flypast & 4 days of events 'People had queued down the Mall and all the spots where they'd see the Royal Family or notables or celebrities. 'I remember, and I remember it well.' After the war ended, Marie went on to work as a secretary, married Maurice, an accountant, and they had daughters Gill, 66, and Cari, 64. She will be commemorating the fallen alongside other veterans at Westminster Abbey on Thursday. Marie believes it is vital to keep memories of VE Day alive. She said: 'The veterans are becoming quite rare now. 'We're all dropping off the perch and, within a foreseeable future, there will be nobody left to talk about their participation in World War Two. 'We fought for a just cause. 'Millions died and all that sacrifice should be honoured and respected.' Marie, who was 18 on VE Day, added: 'It really was the best night of my life. 'A lot of time has passed, but I remember it still so clearly. 'It was full of relief, joy and happiness.' I don't remember if we observed the 10pm curfew, I just remember the noise. It felt like was a party like no other Jean Green THE NAVAL OFFICER JEAN GREEN and her pals partied well into the night as revellers rejoiced over the end of the conflict. Now 102, she vividly recalls the moment she heard that peace had been declared while serving at the Royal Naval Air Station at Eastleigh, Hants, then known as HMS Raven. 7 Jean said: 'The news went round so fast and there was such a hum of excitement. 'Lots of us were given the day off, so we all headed to London. 'The train station was packed, but the atmosphere was amazing. 'I don't remember whether we observed our usual 10pm curfew that night, but I very much doubt it. 'I remember the noise and how happy everyone was. 'It felt like freedom, it was a celebration like no other.' But while Jean, from Norwich, reflects on the celebrations fondly, victory in Europe also meant a sad end to her military service. Jean, who looked after the conscripts' rations in the regulating office, said: 'The women I shared a cabin with became some of my best friends. 'We'd spent three years living together in a tiny space and working together, and became so close. 'Knowing we all had to go back home to our lives was tinged with sadness. 'We kept in touch but it was never the same. 'I was delighted the war ended, but it marked the end of a part of my life which I loved.' After the war, Jean married Bill, an airman she met while serving, and became a full-time mum to their children, Colin and Geraldine. She will be celebrating VE Day quietly at home. THE EVACUEE EVACUEE Doreen Simson, 87, still treasures happy memories of being reunited with her family for VE Day. As a little girl, she had been dispatched to rural Wales from her home in London to keep her safe from bombs blitzing the capital. 7 7 She said: 'I came back to London and everybody was dressed up. 'I remember that day — it was lovely.' A former florist from Crawley, West Sussex, Doreen went on to marry Brian, a TV engineer. They had a son, Lee, 64. She will be attending the special anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Thursday. And she agrees that it is important to mark this historic occasion. Reflecting on how children faced living with strangers to avoid the devastation of the war, she said: 'People forget what us evacuees gave up. 'I was crying because my brother and I had been parted. 'Could you imagine it now? No vetting. 'You're going away to catch a train. 'Four years old, label on coat, teddy bear under arm, crying parents, screaming children. 'Strange place, strange people. 'Where's my mum? Where's my dad?'. 'The tears still flow remembering that day they took me away on a train.' But she said of the household that took her in: 'This little cockney Londoner stayed nearly four years with them. 'It changed my life. 'When I came back, I spoke nicely — soon lost it, though. 'My life has been enriched by the lady that took me. 'It just makes me so emotional, still.'
