The 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, known as VE Day, was marked by a series of commemorative events across the United Kingdom. The ceremony was particularly poignant as it could be the last major VE Day attended by the remaining veterans of the war. In London, a Service of Remembrance was held at Westminster Abbey, attended by King Charles and the Prince of Wales, along with numerous veterans, politicians, and dignitaries. The service included a two-minute silence to honor those who fought and sacrificed during the war. This period of reflection was observed across the UK, signifying a collective remembrance of the significant historical moment when victory in Europe was declared. Following the solemn events at Westminster, celebrations continued with much enthusiasm at Horse Guards Parade. A concert attended by 10,000 people included performances by artists such as Fleur East, Calum Scott, and The Darkness. The event was presented by Zoe Ball and included storytelling and tributes dedicated to the veterans of World War II. During the concert, King Charles delivered a speech emphasizing the need for a global commitment to peace. He highlighted the sacrifices made by the wartime generation and stressed the importance of preserving their stories for future generations. The King also reminded the audience of the ongoing conflicts around the world and urged a renewed dedication to peace and diplomacy. Earlier in the day, a historic walk was re-enacted by Members of Parliament and peers from Parliament to Westminster Abbey, replicating the journey taken when victory in Europe was first announced in 1945. A significant moment in the service was the playing of an excerpt from Winston Churchill’s speech announcing Germany's unconditional surrender. Alexander Churchill, a descendant of the former Prime Minister, lit a candle for peace and called for prayers for a peaceful future. The commemorative events were infused with symbolic gestures. Children presented veterans with white roses, and service members displayed conflict artefacts, including a child's gas mask, as a reminder of the war's impact on all aspects of life. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer participated by delivering a Bible reading, and other attendees shared memoirs and reaffirmations of peace. The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, addressed the crowd, expressing gratitude to those whose sacrifices led to victory. He urged the public to renew their commitment to peace, echoing the teachings of Jesus. After the service, the royals took the time to interact with the veterans, many of whom shared their personal stories of the war. Among them was Harry Winter, a 103-year-old RAF veteran who recounted his harrowing experience of being shot down over Germany, enduring captivity and a grueling 150-mile march before being liberated by American forces on VE Day. D-Day veteran Peter Kent, aged 100, shared his reflections on the importance of remembering those who served. Having participated in the Normandy landings, he spoke of the immense loss of life and the significance of the freedom secured by the sacrifices of so many young soldiers. Throughout the UK, various commemorative activities took place. Churches and cathedrals rang their bells at 18:30 BST, replicating the sounds that filled the air in 1945. In Scotland, a piper played a lament at dawn on Portobello Beach in Edinburgh, while a convoy of Norwegian fishing boats headed towards Shetland to honor the "Shetland Bus" operation, which saved many refugees during the war. Northern Ireland held a series of events, including a tea dance at Belfast City Hall. In Wales, church services included moments of silence and wreath-laying, and a display of 1,000 knitted poppies adorned the veterans' hub in Connah’s Quay. The Royal British Legion organized a tea party for veterans at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, England. Celebrations were expected to continue late into the night, with pubs and bars granted permission to stay open for extended hours. The festivities had begun earlier in the week with a military procession and a Red Arrows flypast, drawing thousands of spectators to the Mall near Buckingham Palace. An exhibit featuring nearly 30,000 ceramic poppies also returned to the Tower of London, serving as a visual tribute to those who sacrificed during the war. The events of the 80th anniversary of VE Day not only honored the past but also served as a reminder of the enduring need for peace and the importance of preserving the legacy of the wartime generation. With the number of surviving veterans dwindling