The World Remembers the Heroes Who Saved us From Hitler:
-US and Europe Mark the 70th Anniversary of VE Day
- Sombre ceremonies held across Europe today to mark the anniversary as officials remembered fallen soldiers
- World leaders took opportunity to warn of modern day threats such as Islamic extremism and the war in Ukraine
Daily Mail UK, 8 May 2015
Sombre ceremonies have been held across Europe today to mark the anniversary of VE Day.
World leaders came together to mark 70 years since victory over Nazi Germany, laying beautiful wreaths in memory of those who were lost - believed to be up to 60million people.
Over the next three days officials will continue to honour and thank entire wartime generations with a spectacular series of events.
It comes as French President Francois Hollande took the opportunity to warn of modern day threats such as the war in Ukraine and Islamic extremism.
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Sombre ceremonies have been held across Europe today to mark the anniversary of VE Day. French President Francois Hollande looks on after placing a wreath at the statue of French General and former President Charles de Gaulle in Paris, France
In France, Mr Hollande urged citizens not to grow complacent about war as he laid a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier at a solemn ceremony under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
He said: 'We didn't experience the war, we see it as a far-off reality, sometimes abstract, even though it is not so far from us, in Ukraine, further still in the Middle East.'
He also referred to the hundreds of French citizens who have gone to fight alongside jihadists in Syria and Iraq.
'There is also terrorism which can strike us, racism, anti-Semitism. There are still causes which should spur us on', he said.
Jean Ruiz, witnessing the ceremony on the Champs Elysees avenue, said: 'I think in the wake of what happened in January we must come together, find common ground.'
'There are memories which must not be forgotten,' his wife Mireille added.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry lays a wreath made of purple, red and white flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris
'We didn't experience the war, we see it as a far-off reality, sometimes abstract, even though it is not so far from us, in Ukraine, further still in the Middle East,' Hollande said before laying a wreath
The tomb of the unknown soldier, where Mr Hollande laid his wreath, marks the sacrifice of an unknown French soldier who gave his life during World War I
Dozens of wreaths made of red, blue and white flowers - to match the French flag - were laid with ribbons by officials earlier this morning
US President Barack Obama also marked the anniversary, expressing solidarity with Europe and hailing the victorious Allied troops as a 'generation that literally saved the world'.
'For over five years, brutal fighting laid waste to an entire continent. Mothers, fathers, children were murdered in concentration camps. By the time the guns fell silent in Europe, some 40 million people on the continent had lost their lives,' Obama said in a radio address.
In Washington DC, 56 restored American 'warbirds' that helped the Allies achieve victory in the war, will roar over the city later Friday as up to 10,000 people look on.
Mr Kerry, whose mother was born in France, also laid a wreath under the Arc de Triomphe as the anniversary coincided with a visit to Paris.
Kerry expressed his country's support to Europe in the face of the new threats it is facing, commending its 'leadership in the fight' against the Islamic State.
'Together we stand firm with the people of Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression,' he said.
The eternal flame at the tomb is rekindled by Mr Hollande as ex-Army soldiers look on and huge bunches of flowers are laid
Angela Merkel talks to a gentleman before the hour of remembrance at the Bundestag to commemorate the end of the Second World War in Berlin
Other countries in Europe also joined the commemorations. Poland opened Victory Day celebrations with a midnight ceremony in northern Westerplatte, where the first shots of the war were fired on September 1, 1939 as Nazi forces swept across the border.
Russia and former Soviet states will mark the anniversary tomorrow due to a time difference during which the surrender became effective.
The war in the Pacific would end on September 2 when Japan surrendered to the United States after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Ukraine, locked in a brutal conflict with pro-Moscow rebels, will for the first time break with Russia and mark May 8 as a 'Day of Memory and Reconciliation'.
Kiev has chosen a new symbol for the event - a poppy - and changed the way it refers to the conflict from the 'Great Patriotic War' introduced by Soviet authorities to the Second World War.
Germany marked its 'liberation' from the Nazis in a joint session of parliament where speaker Norbert Lammert hailed the willingness of the country's neighbours to forgive.
Members of the Worcester Branch of The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association in the UK, take part in a remembrance and wreath laying ceremony at the Regimental Stone in Gheluvelt Park, Worcester
A worker installs a wreath of poppies as a red peak and ribbon on top of the 102-metre Motherland Monument in Kiev, Ukraine, to mark the anniversary
'Today we remember the millions of victims of an unprecedented annihilation campaign against other nations and peoples, against Slavs, against the Jews of Europe,' he said.
German newspaper Die Welt hailed the changes in the country: 'In a few decades a free society has been established. Children and grandchildren endeavour to understand this dark past.'
Germany's Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Thursday laid a wreath at the site of the Battle of Stalingrad in Russia as part of commemorations to mark the defeat of Nazi forces in WWII.
We Shall Remember Them: 70 Years After VE Day Marked The End of World War Two,
-Veterans Lead Silent Tribute to Their Fallen Comrades
- Today marks the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day when Germany surrendered to the Allies
- Service of remembrance at Cenotaph in Whitehall starts three days of commemorations the historic victory
- More than 100 veterans joined the Duke of York, politicians and military leaders to lay wreaths during service
- Two minute silence marked moment Winston Churchill broadcast the news of the German surrender to nation
Veterans led the nation in a silent tribute remembering the sacrifices made to win the Second World War on the 70th anniversary of VE Day.
Seven decades after the country broke out in jubilant celebration at the end of the Second World War, more than 100 former servicemen and women watched as the Duke of York, representing the Queen, joined politicians and military leaders to lay wreaths in Whitehall.
The tribute at the Cenotaph started three days of festivities to mark the anniversary of the announcement that Germany had offered the unconditional surrender to the Allies bringing about the end of the war in Europe.
Artillery guns were fired from the Tower of London and Wellington Barracks Parade Square starting a national two-minute silence at 3pm, to mark the moment Prime Minister Winston Churchill broadcast the news of the German surrender to the nation.
The Duke of York, representing the Queen, with veterans led the nation in remembering victory over Nazi Germany today at the Cenotaph
The Whitehall tribute marked the start of three days of commemorations to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe
Remembering the sacrifice: Standard bearers from the Royal British Legion at the ceremony of thanksgiving and remembrance
Paying their respects: Politicians from the main political parties attended the ceremony to remember the victory over Nazi Germany
The Band of the Grenadier Guards marched to the cenotaph for the service this afternoon that was led by the Bishop to the Armed Forces the Right Reverend Nigel Stock
Remembering the sacrifice: Chelsea pensioners were joined by hundreds of veterans at the Cenotaph in Whitehall for the moving tribute
David Cameron laid a wreath at the foot of the Cenotaph with Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg in their last major roles as party leaders following their post-election resignations.
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon also laid a wreath, and defence secretary Philip Hammond and newly elected MP Boris Johnson also attended.
Among the veterans, who sat huddled with their families under umbrellas as rain pattered gently down, were six Chelsea Pensioners, their bright red overcoats providing a splash of colour under the grey sky.
An excerpt from Churchill's famous speech was also be read by his great-grandson, Randolph Churchill.
The service, which included readings, hymns and a blessing, was led by the Bishop to the Armed Forces the Right Reverend Nigel Stock, and featured music from the Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields.
The Trumpeters of the Royal Air Force sounded The Rouse before the national anthem ended the service.
As the veterans and standard bearers from the Royal British Legion left to make their way up Whitehall for a reception at the Foreign Office, the flag-waving crowds - six deep in some places - broke out into a chorus of three cheers and applause, thanking them for their service so many years ago.
This evening, a chain of up to 250 beacons will be lit across the UK as 'flames of peace', the chain of light stretching from the Tower of London to Blackpool Tower and the community of Unst, the most northerly populated island in the British Isles, as well as to Britain's Overseas Territories
Seventy years after she sneaked out of Buckingham Palace to dance through London's Ritz Hotel with people celebrating the end of the war, the Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, will light the first beacon at the top of the Long Walk at Windsor Castle at 9.30pm, before others are lit across the land minutes later.
The celebrations will continue over the weekend, starting with a 'thunderclap' of noise at 11am tomorrow, when church and cathedral bells throughout the country ring out in celebration.
The coastguard and the Port of London Authority are also being asked to make their own noise to replicate the thunderous sounds of celebration 70 years ago.
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THIS IS YOUR VICTORY: WINSTON CHURCHILL'S RADIO BROADCAST ANNOUNCING THE SURRENDER OF GERMANY
'Yesterday morning at 2.41am at General Eisenhower's headquarters, General Jodl, the representative of the German High Command, and Grand Admiral Doenitz, the designated head of the German State, signed the act of unconditional surrender of all German land, sea, and air forces in Europe to the Allied Expeditionary Force, and simultaneously to the Soviet High Command.
'General Bedell Smith, Chief of Staff of the Allied Expeditionary Force, and General Francois Sevez signed the document on behalf of the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, and General Susloparov signed on behalf of the Russian High Command.
'Today this agreement will be ratified and confirmed at Berlin, where Air Chief Marshal Tedder, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, and General de Lattre de Tassigny will sign on behalf of General Eisenhower. Marshal Zhukov will sign on behalf of the Soviet High Command.
The German representatives will be Field Marshal Keitel, Chief of the High Command, and the commanders-in-chief of the German army, navy, and air forces.
'Hostilities will end officially at one minute after midnight tonight (Tuesday, May 8), but in the interests of saving lives the 'ceasefire' began yesterday to be sounded all along the front, and our dear Channel Islands are also to be freed today.
'The Germans are still in places resisting the Russian troops, but should they continue to do so after midnight they will, of course, deprive themselves of the protection of the laws of war, and will be attacked from all quarters by the Allied troops. It is not surprising that on such long fronts and in the existing disorder of the enemy the orders of the German High Command should not in every case be obeyed immediately.
'This does not, in our opinion, with the best military advice at our disposal, constitute any reason for withholding from the nation the facts communicated to us by General Eisenhower of the unconditional surrender already signed at Rheims, nor should it prevent us from celebrating today and tomorrow (Wednesday) as Victory in Europe days.
'Today, perhaps, we shall think mostly of ourselves. Tomorrow we shall pay a particular tribute to our Russian comrades, whose prowess in the field has been one of the grand contributions to the general victory.
'The German war is therefore at an end. After years of intense preparation, Germany hurled herself on Poland at the beginning of September, 1939; and, in pursuance of our guarantee to Poland and in agreement with the French Republic, Great Britain, the British Empire and Commonwealth of Nations, declared war upon this foul aggression.
'After gallant France had been struck down we, from this island and from our united empire, maintained the struggle single-handed for a whole year until we were joined by the military might of Soviet Russia, and later by the resources of the United States of America.
'Finally almost the whole world was combined against the evil-doers, who are now prostrate before us. Our gratitude to our splendid Allies goes forth from all our hearts in this island and throughout the British Empire.
'We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing; but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead. Japan, with all her treachery and greed, remains unsubdued. The injury she has inflicted on Great Britain, the United States, and other countries, and her detestable cruelties, call for justice and retribution.
'We must now devote all our strength and resources to the completion of our task, both at home and abroad. Advance, Britannia! Long live the cause of freedom! God save the King!'
Winston Churchill pictured leaving the Houses of Parliament after hearing that Germany had surrendered to the Allies
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In the evening, DJ Chris Evans will host a Royal British Legion concert at Horse Guards Parade in London.
Broadcast on BBC 1 and Radio 2, the 1940s-themed 'Party to Remember' will see performances from stars including Alfie Boe, Pixie Lott, Staus Quo, Katherine Jenkins and Dad's Army star Ian Lavender.
On Sunday, around 1,000 veterans and their families will join members of the Royal Family, politicians, members of the Armed Forces and representatives of the Allied nations and Commonwealth countries that fought alongside Britain for a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.
A parade of bands, veterans and current servicemen and women will then make their way from the abbey along Whitehall - past the balcony where Churchill made a historic speech before vast crowds - before a reception for veterans in St James's Park hosted by the Legion, where there will also be vehicles from the 1940s.
The public can watch the ceremony at the abbey from Horse Guard Parade, where they will also be able to see the veterans parade and the changing of The Queen's Life Guard by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
During the ceremony an excerpt from Churchill's famous speech was also be read by his great-grandson, Randolph Churchill
Emotional: These Second World War veterans, proudly wearing their medals, remembered their comrades who did not come home
A decorated veteran prepares to take his spot at the Cenotaph ahead of three days of festivities to commemorate Victory in Europe
This group of Chelsea Pensioners wearing their bright red overcoats sat huddled together as the rain came down
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BELL RINGER WHO SOUNDED THE END OF WWII IN EUROPE WILL DO IT AGAIN - FOR VE DAY ANNIVERSARY
Mavis Whitehead, now 81, will sound the bells to mark VE Day tomorrow
A bell ringer who sounded the news of the end of the Second World War in Europe when she was 11 has been asked to do it again - to mark the 70th anniversary of VE Day.
Mavis Whitehead, 81, was encouraged to ring the bells of Leicester Cathedral to mark victory in Europe by her father 70 years ago.
Ms Whitehead, who has been a bell ringer for more than seven decades, will be ringing in the anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day tomorrow.
Ms Whitehead, of Old Portsmouth, Hants, will be joining fellow members of the Portsmouth Cathedral band to ring Portsmouth Cathedral's bells, which will be rung simultaneously with other towers across Hampshire tomorrow.
She said: "I don't remember much about VE Day but I'm really happy to be here 70 years on to do it again.
"I really enjoy bell-ringing. The people are what make it so enjoyable and everyone is so friendly.
"My father got me into it and in those days you always did what your father told you. I didn't want to at the time but once I got a feel for the bells I loved it."
Mr Whitehead also rang for the royal wedding of Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh in November 1947.
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Members of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association take part in a remembrance and wreath laying ceremony at the Regimental Stone in Gheluvelt Park, Worcester, on the 70th anniversary of VE Day
In the afternoon, there will be a fly-past over central London by the Red Arrows, following a fly-by of aircraft that helped Britain and her Allies win the war - the Lancaster bomber and Spitfire and Hurricane fighters.
Trafalgar Square will also be decked out with bunting and the ensigns of each of the Armed Forces on Sunday, and the Band of the Grenadier Guards will perform music from the era opposite Nelson's Column.
Throughout the weekend, the square will host an exhibition of historic photos taken on VE Day, including pictures of ecstatic crowds at Piccadilly Circus and servicemen and their girlfriends in Trafalgar Square's fountains.
The images will also be displayed at City Hall until June 5.
Announcing the celebrations earlier this year, First Secretary of State William Hague said they would pay 'fitting tribute' to those who did so much to defend the country and ensure victory in Europe.
Across the US and Europe ceremonies were also held to remember the anniversary and the 60 million people who were killed.
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VICTORY IN EUROPE: HOW EVENTS UNFOLDED SEVENTY YEARS AGO ON MAY 8, 1945
Winston Churchill waves to the crowds in Whitehall after making his famous broadcast announcing the unconditional surrender of the German's to the Allies.
German General Jodl signed the unconditional surrender document in Reims, France, at 2.41am on May 7, 1945, which formally ended the Second World War in Europe.
He signed the document on the orders of Admiral Karl Donitz, who had only assumed the leadership of the Third Reich a week earlier after Adolf Hitler killed himself on April 30.
Winston Churchill was made aware that the agreement had been signed at 7am and excitement started to grow.
Just before 8pm that evening, the Ministry of Information announced that May 8 would be 'treated as Victory in Europe Day and will be regarded as a holiday.'
Crowds of celebrating Britains danced through the night after taking to the streets to mark the end of the Second World War in Europe
The royal family were greeted by around 20,000 cheering people when they ventured onto the balcony at Buckingham Palace on May 8,1945
The celebrations in London's Trafalgar Square after Prime Minister Winston Churchill told the public 'we may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing'
Revellers waving flags and wearing rosettes took to the streets of London, safe in the knowledge that the bombs had ceased falling
Across Britain thousands of street parties took place to celebrate the victory over the Nazis, ending almost six years of war
Following the news crowds started to gather in central London and street parties were hastily organised for the following day.
At midnight scores of ships in Southampton Docks sounded their horns, and a searchlight flashed 'V for Victory' in Morse code.
On May 8, Winston Churchill travelled to Buckingham Palace where he met with King George VI and the royal family.
At 3pm, he made his famous radio announcement officially announcing the end of hostilities in Europe.
He said: 'We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing. Today is Victory in Europe Day.'
At the same time President Truman addressed the American people from the White House.
He said: 'We must work to bind up the wounds of a suffering world, to build an abiding peace.'
Then he warns, 'Our blows will not cease until the Japanese military and naval forces lay down their arms in unconditional surrender.'
A crowd of around 20,000 had packed outside Buckingham Palace to see the Royal family take to the balcony.
Speaking to the nation from Buckingham Palace the King George VI said: 'Much hard work awaits us in the restoration of our country after the ravages of war . . .'
Even though the World War II was officially declared over in Europe, in the Far East it continued.
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth with Princess Elizabeth and Margaret were joined by Prime Minister Winston Churchill, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace
Remembered: How the Daily Mail marked the end of the Second World War in Europe after Germany surrendered
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HOW THE COUNTRY WILL MARK THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF VE DAY
Today: 3pm: A service of Remembrance will be held at The Centopath
Opera singer Katherine Jenkins will perform during the VE Day concert
A national two minute silence on the stroke of 3pm will mark the moment Winston Churchill formally announced the end of the War in Europe.
The Honorable Artillery Company will fire a gun from the Tower of London and the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery will fire a gun from Wellington Barracks to mark the start of a two-minute silence, and again at the end.
Schools across the UK Will hold special classes events and parties.
9.30pm: Windsor Great Park. The Queen, with Prince Philip, lights the first of a chain of 200 beacons across the UK.
9.30pm - 11.30pm: (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) The Houses of Parliament, St Paul's Cathedral and Trafalgar Square will be lit up with V shaped lights to coincide with the beacons.
Saturday:
11am: Cathedrals, churches and places of worship across the UK will ring their bells in a 'moment of noise' celebration.
Street parties, concerts and events across Britain.
7.30pm: Horse Guards in London is the setting for a Forties themed 'VE Day 70: A Party to Remember' featuring stars including Chris Evans, Dad's Army Ian Lavender, Katherine Jenkins, Pixie Lott, Alfie Boe, Rebecca Ferguson, Status Quo, the team from Strictly Come Dancing and the RAF Squadronaires.
Sunday:
9.30am: Free grandstands open on Horse Guards. Public welcome along parade route
11-11.50am: National Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, attended by the Queen the Royal Family, party leaders, veterans, and their families and representatives of the Commonwealth and Allied nations. The Archbishop of Canterbury will give the address.
12.30-1pm (approx): Veterans and Forces Parade from Abbey, via Whitehall, to Horse Guards for the Royal Salute and on to St Jame's Park.
1pm: Flypast of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows.
1.30pm: Royal British Legion veterans' reception at St Jame's Park.
All day public display of military vehicles in St Jame's Park.
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