P5/6/7 May Bank Holidays & VE Day Celebrations

Please remember children, there are two holidays this month when you don't have any school work to complete.  So sad, I know.  However, your parents need a break.

• Friday 8th May (to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day)
• Monday 25th May

VE Day (Victory in Europe Day)

VE Day took place on Tuesday 8th May 1945.  It was the day towards the end of World War 2 (WW2) when fighting against Nazi Germany in Europe came to an end. 

On 8th May 1945, Prime Minister Winston Churchill made an announcement on the radio at 3 pm that the war in Europe had come to an end, following Germany's surrender the day before.  Many people were extremely happy that the fighting had stopped and there were big celebrations and street parties.  Many people also attended church services to thank God for the victory. 

VE Day was also a moment of great sadness and reflection as millions of people had lost their lives or loved ones in the conflict.  Many had to continue fighting in other battles and lots of people were being kept prisoners of war abroad.

Even after 8th May, many soldiers, sailors and pilots were sent to the east to fight against the Japanese, who had not yet surrendered.  In early August 1945 two atomic bombs were dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  Then on 15th August 1945 Japan was officially defeated.  This date was known as VJ Day (Victory in Japan Day).  World War 2 was finally over!