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VE DAY 80

On May 8, 2025, we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, when the nation unites to celebrate 80 years of peace since the end of World War II in Europe.

It was a war that claimed the lives of the 56 men remembered on Abingdon’s war memorial and a further 47 from Abingdon School.
Abingdon Royal British Legion, with support from Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council, is marking these momentous anniversaries with events honouring the sacrifices made by townsfolk at home and abroad.

Gabby Barody, mayor of Abingdon said: “This year, on this significant anniversary, we honour and celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of those who secured our freedom. We especially recognise our veterans here in Abingdon, whose service and dedication continue to inspire us. Their legacy reminds us to cherish and uphold the peace they fought for.”

The role the town played in World War II has been at the heart of the plans and the commemorations begin at 9am on May 8 with a town cry from the roof top of Abingdon’s County Hall. This will be followed by a ceremony at the town’s war memorial at noon when wreaths and blue flowers for peace will be laid.

Church bells will ring throughout the town at 6.30pm.
At 7.30 pm on May 8 there will a concert at St Helen’s Church, the church at the heart of the commemorations 80 years ago, featuring Abingdon Town Band and members of Abingdon Drama Club.

On Saturday May 10, activities focus on Abingdon RBL Spring Road social club with a display of the Operation Overlord model railway. It will remain on show on Sunday May 11.

Sunday May 11 also sees a rally of MGs on Abingdon Market Place and an exhibition of the role of MG factory played in the war effort, building everything from 16 ton tanks and 3,000 sets of wading equipment to allow the D-Day landings to fuel dipsticks and blood centrifuges.

I Vow to Thee My Country

All events are free with donations to the Poppy Appeal.

Of course, the war didn’t end on May 8. It wasn’t until August when Victory over Japan was declared that the true celebrations could begin. In August, there will be a fun bun throwing contest to see who can throw a bun the furthest.

Why are blue flowers being laid on VE Day? Blue flowers are associated with calmness, passion, appreciation and serenity. They symbolise peace, tranquillity and harmony.

Words of Winston

When Winston Churchill addressed the nation, he acknowledged the sacrifices made, reminding the nation that they had stood alone against tremendous odds but had never faltered.

“God bless you all. This is your victory!” he said. “It is the victory of the cause of freedom in every land. In all our long history, we have never seen a greater day than this.
“Everyone, man or woman, has done their best. Everyone has tried. Neither the long years, nor the dangers, nor the fierce attacks of the enemy, have in any way weakened the independent resolve of the British nation. God bless you all.

And he did not forget those in Far East where war continued until August 15 when Japan surrendered.
“Be of good cheer and rejoice with us on this day. Let my words and my message penetrate to the remotest villages of your lands. Lift up your hearts, for we are coming.”

I Vow to Thee My Country

Join Colin Thackery, Chelsea Pensioner, who is leading the nation in singing this hymn at 9.30pm on May 8.

I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above
Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love
The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test
That lays upon the altar, the dearest and the best
The love that never falters, the love that pays the price
The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice

And there’s another country, I’ve heard of long ago
Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know
We may not count her armies, we may not see her king
Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering
And soul by soul, and silently her shining bounds increase
And her ways are ways of gentleness, and all her paths are peace

Music and Music by Gustav Holst and Cecil Spring