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Commemorating VE Day 75 th Anniversary 8 th May 1945 marked the end of 6 years of death, destruction and suffering for millions across Europe. Millions of people rejoiced at the news that Germany had surrendered. In towns and cities across Britain, people marked the victory with street parties, dancing and celebrations. However, it is important to remember that this was not the end of World War II. The war 4 th May 1945- the plans for Germany’s surrender began to take place in Hamburg. 7 th May 1945- in France, the document of surrender was signed which accepted unconditional surrender of all German forces. The announcement that the war in Europe had finally ended was broadcast over the radio to the British people late in the day. 8 th May 1945 - VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) became a national holiday. Events such as thanksgiving services, street parties and parades were organised to celebrate the moment. Across Britain people came out of their homes to celebrate. Street parties went into the night and pubs stayed open late. Bunting was put up to celebrate and people danced the night away to celebrate the end of the war. Take a look at this picture from Market Square in Nottingham. Churchill addressed the nation. At 3pm the Prime Minister officially announced the news that the war in Europe had ended via radio broadcast. Later, he appeared at a balcony in London and gave a speech. He stated ‘This is your victory’ and the people responded with ‘No- it’s yours!’ Even the Royal family took part. Huge numbers of people visited Buckingham Palace where the Royal family appeared on the balcony and waved to the public. In total, King George VI made 8 appearances on his balcony, including one with Churchill. But it was a day of mixed emotions- many had lost loved ones and VE Day was also a time of reflection. The devastation of the war was visible everywhere and were a reminder that the war against Japan was not yet over. The destruction symbolised the hardship that people had suffered for many years. Also, many soldiers returning home were distressed by the experiences they had faced during the war.
Transcript of Home - The Redhill Academy - Nottingham€¦ · Web viewIn towns and cities across Britain,...
Commemorating VE Day 75th Anniversary
8th May 1945 marked the end of 6 years of death, destruction and suffering for millions across Europe. Millions of people rejoiced at the news that Germany had surrendered. In towns and cities across Britain, people marked the victory with street parties, dancing and celebrations. However, it is important to remember that this was not the end of World War II. The war against Japan did not end until August 1945 and the impact of war was felt for many years to come.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day. To commemorate such an important event in history, I would like to set you the challenge of creating some bunting. Bunting was commonly used as a signal of celebration. You could make this at home using paper, cardboard, cereal boxes, material etc. Think about what design you would use to remember VE Day. You could use V for victory, 75 for the anniversary, the union jack, pictures from events in WWII- be creative! Take a look at the next page if you need some inspiration. Send pics of your bunting to [email protected]
4th May 1945- the plans for Germany’s surrender began to take place in Hamburg.
7th May 1945- in France, the document of surrender was signed which accepted unconditional surrender of all German forces. The announcement that the war in Europe had finally ended was broadcast over the radio to the British people late in the day.
8th May 1945 - VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) became a national holiday. Events such as thanksgiving services, street parties and parades were organised to celebrate the moment.
Across Britain people came out of their homes to celebrate. Street parties went into the night and pubs stayed open late. Bunting was put up to celebrate and people danced the night away to celebrate the end of the war. Take a look at this picture from Market Square in Nottingham.
Churchill addressed the nation. At 3pm the Prime Minister officially announced the news that the war in Europe had ended via radio broadcast. Later, he appeared at a balcony in London and gave a speech. He stated ‘This is your victory’ and the people responded with ‘No- it’s yours!’
Even the Royal family took part. Huge numbers of people visited Buckingham Palace where the Royal family appeared on the balcony and waved to the public. In total, King George VI made 8 appearances on his balcony, including one with Churchill.
But it was a day of mixed emotions- many had lost loved ones and VE Day was also a time of reflection. The devastation of the war was visible everywhere and were a reminder that the war against Japan was not yet over. The destruction symbolised the hardship that people had suffered for many years. Also, many soldiers returning home were distressed by the experiences they had faced during the war.
Commemorating VE Day 75th Anniversary
For more information on VE Day please take a look at the following sites:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/class-clips-video/history-ks2-ve-day/z7xtmfr- for a useful video clip
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4TrqYDyf4PMdLypxzyTwGDg/great-british- bunting for bunting ideas and templates
https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/10-photos-of-ve-day-celebrations- for some great pictures of VE Day celebrations in 1945
https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance/teaching-remembrance? seg=WPDW3B- for some extra information and facts about WWII
