VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, marks the end of World War II in Europe. It is celebrated on May 8th, commemorating the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied forces in 1945. This day symbolizes the triumph of peace and the beginning of rebuilding efforts across Europe.
It was announced on the radio on the 7th May 1945 that the war in Europe was over and that the 8th May would be a national holiday, an official day of celebrations.
To mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day the UK Government have organised four days of celebrations. They started on Monday 5th May culminating on Thursday 8th.
Seaford Town Council are marking the occasion on Thursday 8th as follows;
9:00 am a VE Day 80 Flag will be raised at the War Memorial, Sutton Road, Seaford. Our Town Crier will make the official VE day Proclamation.
9:30 pm the Beacon of Peace at Splash Point will be lit. This will join the 2500 other beacons lit around the country to celebrate this important occasion.
Many shops in Seaford have decorated their shops, a selection of which are shown below;
Fotobox have a great display, unfortunately their shutters were down so I was unable to photograph it.
Of course, May the 8th wasn’t the end of WW2. Although VE Day came as a huge relief, American, British and Commonwealth forces were still fighting the Japanese in the Far East. This continued until Japan’s surrender on August 11th 1945 which is commemorated on VJ day (Victory of Japan).
We should always remember that ordinary people sacrificed so much for the freedom and future of all.
Celebrating Seaford 