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BBC News
04-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
VE Day: Thanksgiving service takes place in Belfast
A special service has taken place at Belfast Cathedral to mark the beginning of the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) is the first of a planned week of commemorative events set to remember the end of World War Two in Europe on 8 May event was organised by the Cathedral, the Lord Lieutenant for Belfast Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle and the Northern Ireland War Memorial service, which was held on Sunday afternoon, featured music from the 1940s, prayers and a re-enactment of those voices who were present during VE Day as part of the museum's oral history project. Both the First Minister, Michelle O'Neill and the Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, were among those present. VE veterans remembered In a message to attendees, Mrs Jay-O'Boyle said news that World War Two had ended brought "unrestrained joy" to the people of Northern Ireland."No one was unaffected, and freedom, independence and the preservation of democracy had been achieved at a hugely high cost," she said."At this challenging time for Europe and the world, it is entirely right that we remember with proud sorrow the sacrifice of all who endured the vicissitudes of the Second World War." The Very Rev Stephen Forde, who led the service, remembered those who sacrificed their lives for peace."We also remember the heroism and sacrifices of all those who contributed to the war effort on the home front, in agriculture and industries, as firefighters, or air-raid wardens as scientists or code breaks, or those who guarded our skies and seas from cold and remote lookout towers," he added."In today's service, the twin challenges of peacekeeping and peace building are represented by those on whose shoulders our future peace depends." Representatives from other religious orders also took part in the event, including Fr Colin Grant, who was representing the Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor Alan Presbyterian moderator the Rev Dr Richard Murray, Methodist Church of Ireland President the Rev Dr John Alderdice and the Anglican Bishop of Connor Rt Rev George Davidson also gave readings. What is VE Day? VE Day held on 8 May, 1945, celebrated the end of war in British government had been planning the celebration from late 1944. The code word 'mousetrap' alerted ministers when VE Day was stayed open late and searchlights were used to light public Minister Winston Churchill broadcast the news of the German surrender to the nation at 15:00 from Whitehall. Listeners later heard their first weather forecast since war began. To mark the 80th anniversary, four days of commemorative events have been planned across the UK, from 5 to 8 May.
BBC News
05-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
Cash grants to help Wolverhampton communities mark VE Day
Road closure fees have been waived and cash is up for grabs as Wolverhampton residents are urged to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) was the day the European phase of World War Two ended, with the unconditional surrender of all Nazi German forces to the Allies on 8 May 1945. City of Wolverhampton Council said grants of up to £250 were available per Obaida Ahmed said: "We want to see Wolverhampton come alive with celebrations, from intimate neighbourhood gatherings to grand street parties." The Allies' defeat of Japan, or VJ (Victory over Japan) Day, came later the same year on 15 added both anniversaries were a powerful reminder of shared history and the enduring spirit of community. The council is inviting residents to hold VE Day celebrations from Bank Holiday Monday on 5 May to 11 have included organising community gatherings in parks, green spaces or community could also have street parties or neighbourhood celebrations in driveways, front gardens or shared parking areas, the council said. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
