Latest news with #VE)Day
IOL News
10-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
From sacrifice to celebration: South African Legion marks 80 years of VE Day
Teenager Lucas Johannes Wolmarans (far right) Fourie (centre) and Cowley (left) from Langlaage Minesweeper at Ismailia (Egypt) rest camp during WWII. Image: Supplied The South African Legion will paid tribute to the brave men and women who served during World War II, with a special three-day commemoration marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. Hosted at the Castle of Good Hope from 8–10 May, the exhibition and memorial service aimed to honour those whose contributions have long gone unrecognised. VE Day, which marked the formal end of WWII in Europe on 8 May 1945, may feel like a distant memory to many, but for thousands of South African families, its significance remains deeply personal. Over 334,000 South Africans volunteered for service during the war—many of them young, idealistic, and eager to serve, despite the odds stacked against them. Among these were more than 123,000 men of colour who served in non-combat and support roles, often under challenging and discriminatory conditions. 'This soldier did the most magnificent and brave things. With a number of bullets in his body he returned time after time into a veritable hell of machine-gun fire to pull out wounded men. He is a credit to his country,' said Major-General Dan Pienaar, speaking of Lance-Corporal Lucas Majozi, a Black stretcher-bearer who was later awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his heroism at El Alamein. WAAF Sergeant fitting gas mask Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The event at the Castle was more than just a history lesson. It was a space to reflect, remember, and reconnect with stories of resilience and sacrifice—stories often left out of mainstream narratives. The exhibition included rare archival photos, first-hand testimonies, and displays dedicated to the Native Military Corps, the Cape Corps, and the thousands of women who played vital roles through the Women's Auxiliary Defence Corps and the South African Women's Auxiliary Services (SAWAS). These women served in the air force, navy, medical units and even the military police, often unpaid and unrecognised. 'We did everything we could, the best we could… and that's it,' recalled naval veteran Lucas Wolmarans—a sentiment echoed by many veterans whose service was quiet but steadfast. Cape Corps Strecher bearers before Monte Caprara battle (Italy) Image: Supplied The commemoration will culminate in a non-denominational memorial service at 11am on Saturday, 10 May. Ian Neilson, former Deputy Mayor of Cape Town, will deliver a keynote on behalf of the Mayor. The service will feature performances by Christel House South Africa's Brass Ensemble and Jazz Band—young musicians from one of the city's most inspiring no-fee schools—as well as the sounding of the Last Post by five trumpeters from South African College High School (SACS), a school known for its longstanding tradition of military remembrance. 'The importance of continuing to mark the anniversary of this global event that had such a profound effect on modern history, is to remind us of the horrors of war and to value the sanctity of peace, lest we forget the former,' said Kevin P. Ashton JCD, Chairman of the SA Legion Cape Town Branch. Benghazi - Lt Hymie Markman_Lt Hymie Markman with 16 Squadron, SAAF, drivers and local Arabic man on donkey Image: Supplied Today will also feature a WWII re-enactment field kitchen, run by The Heritage Group in period dress, sales tables with military-themed books, and a public engagement booth hosted by Commander Mac Bisset (retired) of the Western Cape Military History Society. Members of the public can bring family medals for identification, learn how to access veterans' records, or simply share in a moment of reflection. Visitors are also invited to add a personal message to the Peace Wall—a tribute to the enduring hope for a more peaceful future. South Africa's contribution to the war effort was vast. Besides full-time volunteers, there were more than 63,000 part-time military volunteers across defence, engineering, naval, and home guard units. A further 60,000 unpaid volunteers—many of them women—supported wartime operations through knitting circles, fundraising, and local war effort campaigns. The Cape Coloured Women War Workers (CWWW) and Native Women War Workers (NWWW) were instrumental in this, with 123 active branches and over 6,000 members nationally. Today, close to 12,000 South Africans who died during WWII are commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, including some 2,000 with no known graves. The Military Museum at the Castle, one of South Africa's oldest heritage sites, will house the exhibition—a fitting location to honour those who helped shape the modern world, often at great personal cost. Tickets to the Castle are R50 for adults and R25 for children and pensioners, available at the ticket office. Exhibition hours run from 9am to 4pm daily. The South African Legion, formed in 1921 by war veterans including Field Marshall Earl Haig and General Jan Smuts, continues its work today—supporting former servicemen and women, advocating for war pensions, and preserving military heritage for future generations. Weekend Argus
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Morning Bid: Armed conflicts rage, but hopes emerge for a trade war thaw
A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Rocky Swift The European theatre of World War II ended 80 years ago today, a sombre reminder as armed conflict still rages on the continent while another one threatens to ignite between nuclear powers in South Asia. To accommodate a moment of silence in honour of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, the Bank of England is delaying its policy announcement by two minutes to 1102 GMT. The BoE is expected to continue its gradual pace of rate cuts that have come more slowly than those by the U.S. Federal Reserve, which stood pat yesterday in the face of inflation and recession fears. A different sort of world war, between U.S. President Donald Trump and practically all of America's trade partners, looked marginally cooler ahead of ice-breaker talks between Washington and Beijing trade tsars this weekend. Chinese blue chips and Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 0.75% and 1.1%, respectively, on hopes the negotiations will bring down retaliatory tariffs of more than 100% with the U.S. And equity futures in European and U.S. markets turned higher after Trump posted that he will hold a press conference today about a trade deal with a "BIG, AND HIGHLY RESPECTED, COUNTRY. THE FIRST OF MANY!!!." This would be the first of some 200 trade deals that Trump claims to have made but has kept mum on so far. Last week, the president trumpeted "potential deals" with South Korea, Japan, and India. But the New York Times says the "big" country is Britain, a possibility previously flagged by analysts. UK stock futures and sterling climbed in Asia trade. North Korea lobbed missiles into the ocean again, and Pakistan vowed retaliation for an Indian air strike, which was itself retaliation for an attack by Islamist militants last month. Stock markets in Asia weathered the drama, continuing anaemic gains seen on Wall Street after the Fed. But steeper advances in gold and Bitcoin signalled resilient demand for defensive assets. Key developments that could influence markets on Thursday: - European earnings: Siemens Energy - US earnings: Shopify, ConocoPhillips, Warner Bros Discovery - Germany trade, industrial production (March) - BoE policy decision - US weekly jobless claims - $25 billion auction of US 30-year bonds - Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem speaks Trying to keep up with the latest tariff news? Our new daily news digest offers a rundown of the top market-moving headlines impacting global trade. Sign up for Tariff Watch here. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Pembrokeshire Herald
09-05-2025
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Pembrokeshire County Council commemorates VE Day 80 with poignant ceremony
Wartime songs and children's artwork mark solemn but celebratory event PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL staff, councillors, and members of the public gathered yesterday (May 8) to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a series of commemorative events at County Hall, Haverfordwest. Local children's VE Day 80 artwork on display at County Hall Music and memories: Council workers join in wartime songs Staff and councillors outside County Hall for the VE Day 80 proclamation The official VE Day 80 proclamation was read aloud during a respectful outdoor ceremony, with the Council Chairman and Chief Executive Will Bramble in attendance. The proclamation was followed by the raising of the specially commissioned VE Day 80 flag, paying tribute to the moment in 1945 when the guns fell silent across Europe after six years of war. Inside County Hall, the air was filled with nostalgic wartime songs, performed with enthusiasm by council staff and accompanied on keyboard by a colleague. Bunting and banners bearing the VE Day 80 logo adorned the building, creating a festive but respectful atmosphere. A highlight of the indoor display was a striking exhibition of children's artwork and historical research. Dozens of handmade posters, patriotic drawings, and VE Day-themed projects created by local school pupils were displayed throughout the foyer and stairwells. These included Union Jack motifs, historical photographs, and written accounts reflecting on the sacrifices made by the wartime generation. The council's commemoration formed part of a wider national effort to mark VE Day 80, encouraging reflection, gratitude, and community spirit.
Western Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
Samuel Kurtz MS marks VE Day 80 at Welsh Parliament
Samuel Kurtz, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, joined veterans and community leaders at the Welsh Parliament to commemorate the end of the Second World War in Europe. The event celebrated the courage and sacrifice of all who contributed to the war effort, from frontline soldiers to members of the Merchant Navy and those supporting from the home front. Testimonies were shared from service personnel across the Commonwealth, highlighting the global scale of the conflict and the shared sacrifices made in the pursuit of peace. Mr Kurtz said: "Marking and commemorating VE Day in the Senedd, and hearing the testimonies of servicemen and women from across the Commonwealth, from those in the Merchant Navy, and from all who contributed to the war effort in any way, was a humbling experience. "On this significant anniversary, we remember the bravery and sacrifice of all who fought for our freedom – especially the thousands from across West Wales who left their homes and families, many of whom never returned. "We will remember them. "As we celebrate the triumph of peace and freedom over tyranny and evil, it's hard not to be reminded of the current war raging in Eastern Europe. "Peace is spoken of with ease, but achieved only through great effort and sacrifice." Victory in Europe (VE) Day marked the end of the Second World War in Europe.
Powys County Times
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Mary Berry says first Victoria sponge she had was made by her mother on VE Day
Former The Great British Bake Off judge Dame Mary Berry has said the first Victoria sponge cake she remembers was made by her mother on Victory in Europe (VE) Day. The cook, best known for her recipes and baking tips, described in a video shown at the VE Day 80 concert in London how 'overwhelmed' people were when the Second World War ended in Europe, saying it was what 'everybody had been waiting for'. Dame Mary said: 'I can remember mum making Victoria sponge, that precious butter that she'd saved. 'She beat that with the sugar with a wooden spoon. It is the very first Victoria sponge cake that I can remember. 'VE Day was the most important day. It's what everybody had waited for. I think people hardly could believe it, and immediately you wanted to celebrate. 'Everybody was overwhelmed by the whole situation, and they were remembering the people that had been lost.' Dame Mary also recounted her experience living through the Second World War and hiding in a shelter during air raids. She added: 'I was living in Bart when the air raid sirens went. That's a noise that hangs in your head for your whole life. 'We would rush out into the Anderson shelter, and you'd hear the planes over the top. 'People clung on to their families because you didn't know what was going to happen the next night. It was scary and a very sad time.' Dame Mary has written more than 80 cookery books, becoming a UK household name for her recipes and tips, including her recipe for a Victoria sponge cake. In 2021 she was made a Dame Commander by the Prince of Wales for a lifetime of cooking, writing and baking and in December 2024 she was announced the winner of the lifetime achievement award at the Women In Film And Television Awards.
