Elderly war hero sets V-E Day festivities in motion; UK honors individuals who safeguarded nation during World War II, celebrating centenarian's contribution.
In this year that marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, Britain honors the men and women who fought tirelessly during World War II. The 100-year-old RAF veteran, Alan Kennett, who bravely landed on D-Day, was at the forefront of this national thank-you day.
The grand event featured a spectacular parade, led by 1,300 British armed forces, with troops from Ukraine and the UK's NATO allies joining in the celebration. The parade was commenced by Kennett, who saluted Garrison Sgt. Major Andrew Stokes in front of an audience that included King Charles III. Stokes, with a solemn tone, expressed gratitude for the veterans, saying, "Thank you and your generation for securing our freedom 80 years ago."
With this year's V-E Day events, there's a palpable sense of finality, as they're likely to be the last major observance to include significant numbers of World War II veterans. Following Big Ben's toll at noon, actor Timothy Spall recited Winston Churchill's victory speech, reminding everyone of the historic moment that took place on May 8, 1945.
The event in London wasn't just a farewell to an era; it was a time to remember and honor the fallen comrades that made the ultimate sacrifice. "This is the last time we will celebrate the day in this sort of scale," said Michael Burn, a 67-year-oldreader donning a Union flag-patterned suit.
The parade made its way from the Houses of Parliament, through Trafalgar Square, and down the Mall to Buckingham Palace. The Ukrainian contingent won a huge round of applause as their flag swept past the royal viewing platform. The event ended with a breathtaking flyover by British military aircraft, including a Wartime Lancaster bomber and the RAF's Red Arrows aerobatic team.
During the quiet moments, the Princess of Wales chatted cordially with Bernard Morgan, a 101-year-old veteran who worked as a code breaker during the conflict. The meeting was more than just a conversation; it was a passing of the torch, a testament to the legacy and the unbreakable bond between the generations. As Morgan met the Princess's children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, it reminded everyone of the journey from those who fought in World War II to the present generation.
Kennett, a mechanic who landed in Normandy to set up an airfield, was proud to represent the veterans. "I just remember those that didn't come back," he said. "That's the thing that sticks in my mind. I'm lucky. I got out. There's a lot that didn't, believe me. Luck of the draw. It shouldn't be forgotten."
The 2025 V-E Day events serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the veterans and a tribute to the unity, courage, and resilience shown by the British people during World War II. As the last major observance to include significant numbers of World War II veterans approaches, their stories and legacy will forever be etched in history, inspiring generations to come.
- The 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day sees Britain honoring veterans from World War II, with the grand event featuring a military parade.
- Ukrainian and UK's NATO allies joined British troops in the celebration, led by a 100-year-old RAF veteran named Alan Kennett.
- Events surrounding V-E Day 2025 carry a sense of finality, possibly being the last major observance with significant World War II veterans.
- The parade, including a Wartime Lancaster bomber and the RAF's Red Arrows aerobatic team, traveled from the Houses of Parliament to Buckingham Palace.
- During the quiet moments, the Princess of Wales chatted with World War II veteran Bernard Morgan, who worked as a code breaker, passing a torch to the next generation.
- AI technology was used to recreate Winston Churchill's voice during the commemoration, as actor Timothy Spall recited his victory speech.
- The Prime Minister, alongside general news outlets, politics pundits, and sports commentators, saluted the courage and resilience of the British people during World War II.
- In the European leagues, especially the Premier League, events were temporarily halted to pay tribute to the veterans and commemorate the sacrifices made during war-and-conflicts.
