VE Day 80

Eighty years ago, the freedoms we enjoy today were secured by the extraordinary sacrifice of a remarkable generation of young men and women who fought in the Second World War. As we mark 80 years since Victory in Europe, we pay tribute to those who stood up against fascism and laid the foundations of peace.

Today, our nation comes together with our Armed Forces, veterans, and their families to reflect, celebrate, and remember. Their service, past and present, is the ultimate act of public duty, and I am are extremely proud of their contribution to our country.

In the North East, we are especially proud to be a region with a strong connection to our military community, with 109,375 veterans calling our region home. In East Durham, our community comes together often to commemorate anniversaries and attend memorial services throughout the year. We are a proud community that has a long history of respecting our military. I look forward to seeing the community come together once again to mark 80 years since Victory in Europe.

Now more than ever, we must remember the cost of war and the true significance of peace. These are serious times; war rages on in Europe, brutal conflicts persist in the Middle East, and the global landscape grows more uncertain. In this turbulent time, the lessons of the past must guide us to peace and reaffirm the importance of standing up for what is right.

On this 80th anniversary of VE Day, we honour those who came before us and our commitment to peace, remembrance, and celebrate the communities that carry this legacy forward.