A Poem specially written by Simon Marshall (Swampy Marshall) for the 80th anniversary of VE Day © 2025
In fields of green and skies once red,
Brave hearts stood where angels tread.
With rifles clenched and spirits high,
They fought for peace beneath the sky.
Young Jack was just a lad of war,
A Royal Marine, just 19 or more.
He landed strong on Normandy sands,
With duty firm and gun in hand.
The beaches stretched — five names now known:
Sword, Juno, Gold, and far had grown
To Utah, Omaha — brave and wide,
Where thousands fell, yet turned the tide.
Through fire and steel they made their stand,
Each inch of France, hard-won by hand.
They pushed ahead through hedge and lane,
Through fear, through loss, through grit and rain.
Back home, a lad with curious eyes
Played near those shores and wondered why
Why pillbox walls and bunkers lay,
Like shadows of a darker day.
He listened close to Grandad’s tales,
Of whispered codes and hidden trails,
Of minds that worked in secret ways,
To guide the fight through darkest days.
And in his heart, a flame was lit,
To follow where the brave men sit.
He joined the Corps, proud, strong, and free
To serve like those who stormed the sea.
May 8th — the bells of freedom rang,
And London’s skies with voices sang.
The King stood proud, the crowds were wide,
And hope came roaring like the tide.
The Queen, then young, danced in the crowd,
A conga line, alive and loud.
While Joyce recalled with smiling grace
The joy that lit each hopeful face.
Yet not all cheers rang close to home
Some raised their glass where poppies roam.
In Italy, and distant skies,
The word of peace brought tears to eyes.
Now eighty years have passed in time,
Yet still we feel that steady line
From those who fell, to those who stand,
With steady hearts and open hand.
So here we are with flags held high,
Beneath a still and thankful sky.
We speak their names, both old and new,
And say: “We will remember you.”
For every cry and silent prayer,
For brothers lost, still standing there,
For freedom’s cost and war’s cruel price,
For those who paid with sacrifice
We thank you all, both near and far,
Each soldier, sailor, son, and star.
The past still walks beside our way,
On this, the 80th VE Day.
© 2025 Simon Martin, (Swampy Marshall) All rights reserved.
This poem may be reproduced and shared non-commercially for educational, commemorative, or ceremonial purposes, provided it is not altered and full credit is given to the author.
For all other uses, including publication or performance for profit, written permission must be obtained from the copyright holder..
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