Mrs Rachel O. Ajayi, a protégé of ExcellenceinEducation.org.uk programme reviews the beginning of a period of military commemorations of military success of Victory in Europe (VE) day around the world starting with London. She also highlights future official programmes
Eighty years after the guns fell silent across Europe, the United Kingdom and its European allies have marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a series of powerful, moving, and unifying commemorations-demonstrating that the legacy of 1945 remains as vital as ever.
A Royal Salute to Sacrifice and Peace
The commemorations began with a stirring display of pageantry and remembrance in London. Four generations of the Royal Family gathered on the Buckingham Palace balcony, witnessing a spectacular RAF flypast led by a historic Lancaster bomber and the Red Arrows, their red, white, and blue trails painting the sky above crowds that lined The Mall and filled the capital with cheers and flag-waving. This was the first major VE Day commemoration since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, and the absence of those who stood on the balcony in 1945 was deeply felt, yet the presence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, underscored the continuity of duty and remembrance across generations.
The day’s events began at noon, as actor Timothy Spall delivered a rousing recitation of Sir Winston Churchill’s iconic VE Day address, reminding the nation of the unity and resolve that defined the British war effort. The King saluted as a military parade-featuring NATO allies and over a thousand UK armed forces personnel-marched from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace, symbolizing both remembrance and the enduring bonds of international partnership forged in war.
Honouring Veterans and the Greatest Generation
Central to the commemorations was a profound respect for the veterans-men and women of all backgrounds-whose sacrifices made victory possible. Professor Chris Imafidon, interviewed by major news outlets, captured the national mood by describing VE Day as “the most significant day in British history,” a sentiment echoed by the thousands who turned out to pay tribute to the dwindling number of surviving veterans. Professor Imafidon also led a team to the Tower of London for the royal anniversary gun salute, followed by a preview of a special poppy display-a poignant reminder of the cost of conflict and the value of peace. Shortly after, Queen Camilla formally opened the ceramic poppy installation, further anchoring the day’s events in acts of remembrance and gratitude.
Music, Reflection, and Unity in Westminster
The commemorations reached a crescendo with the Victory in Europe Day 80th Anniversary Concert in Westminster Hall, the historic heart of the Palace of Westminster. This official event, part of four days of national celebration, brought together the Parliament Choir, Sinfonia Smith Square, and a 100-strong chorus for an evening of classical music, reflection, and unity. Under the medieval hammer-beam roof, illuminated for the occasion, the program featured works by Dvořák, Bach, Duruflé, Vaughan Williams, and more-music that transcends borders and speaks to the shared experience of peace hard-won.
Professor Imafidon, joining parliamentary leaders for the concert, embodied the spirit of inclusivity, diversity of veterans and recognition that defines these commemorations. The concert, narrated by Alexander Armstrong and broadcast live, offered the nation a moment to reflect on the declaration of peace 80 years ago, and to celebrate the enduring values of freedom, democracy, and resilience. There will be a special service on 8th May at Westminster Abbey, and another concert at the Royal Albert Hall, London.
A Living Legacy
VE Day 80 is not merely a commemoration of the past; it is a reaffirmation of national identity and a call to remember the lessons of history. The events have been marked by a spirit of inclusivity, with tributes paid to veterans of all backgrounds and recognition of the sacrifices made on the home front and overseas. The unveiling of the poppy display, the military parade, and the concert in Westminster Hall have all served as reminders that the freedoms enjoyed today were bought at great cost.
As the nation moves forward, the 80th anniversary serves as both a celebration and a solemn warning. The unity, courage, and determination that brought victory in 1945 must not be forgotten. The commemorations-rich in tradition, music, and heartfelt tribute-have ensured that the memory of VE Day remains alive, inspiring future generations to cherish peace and stand together in the face of adversity.
In the words of Churchill, read aloud once more to a new generation: “This is not victory of a party or of any class. It’s a victory of the great British nation as a whole.” Eighty years on, the nation has shown that it remembers-and that it endures.
ExcellenceinEDucation.org.uk is running VE day programmes which are online and offline, they include seminars, symposia and special services.
AUTHORS AND CONTRIBUTORS
Mrs Rachel O. Ajayi is a Protégé of the record breaking Excellenceineducation.org.uk programme. She participated in commonwealth; and international initiatives designed to empower girls and young women. She has had multiple invitations to UK Parliament and British royal events for her dedication to technology applications and STEM education in Africa
Mrs Ajayi was recently appointed as Hon Assistant secretary to the Education Global Summit and awards. This is in addition to her several other achievements such as serving as a Panelist for Kwaraprenuer Empowerment Program- a program designed by Kwara State Government to empower entrepreneurs in the state, a Lead Volunteer Executive of Sadiem Sonep Nig Ltd providing free training for Entrepreneurs on soap production and fashion designing with more than 2000 beneficiaries in the last 5yrs and so on. Mrs. Ajayi is married and a mother of beautiful children.
Professor Chris Imafidon, is an internationally renowned adviser to monarchs, governments, presidents and corporate leaders; Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and Mentor to multi-millionaire AI tech entrepreneurs. He recently co-chaired King Charles III Coronation series on Artificial Intelligence’s impact on education. He is a multi-Guinness World record certificate holder; Coach to New York Times Bestellers and a Sunday Times Op-ed author. He is a 5X International bestselling author, and a celebrated royal biographer. His research and innovation have been recognized internationally, winning multiple awards in many continents across multiple disciplines and his mentees are global leaders in pioneers and also world record holders. He is an award winning chair of HM Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee programme on STEM & Education. [Twitter(X) @ChrisImafidon; Instagram @CoImafidon, Linkedln and Facebook – ProfessorChrisImafidon]
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