Marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day

8 May 2025 was the 80th anniversary of VE Day, an international celebration of the arrival of peace in Europe. As an opportunity to reminisce and reflect, VE Day is always an important moment for Anchor's residents and colleagues. 

On this page, you’ll find information about how people living and working in our care homes and housing locations marked the occasion, and some of their personal views and memories of the past.

We have also shared links to resources you can use to commemorate VE Day yourself, get involved with Anchor events through social media, and share information about our commitment to supporting veterans living with us.

Supporting the Armed Forces community and unique needs of veterans

At Anchor we recognise that veterans live through unique military experiences and that understanding the impact military service has on their lives and relationships enables us to better support the practical, emotional and social needs of members of the Armed Forces community living with us.

We are very proud that a number of our care homes have achieved the national Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to delivering improved health and wellbeing outcomes for veterans living with us.

Public VE Day commemorative events

The Royal British Legion will be holding a commemorative event at the National Memorial Arboretum on Thursday 8 May to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War. You can find out more about the special VE Day Tea Party and Service of Commemoration on their website here.

The BBC will also be broadcasting a special live concert: VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember, on Thursday 8 May from 8pm to 10pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

Details of other national and local events can be found by visiting this dedicated government website for VE Day 80 and searching for your preferred area.

Resources to help you commemorate VE Day from your home

You can find a range of free resources to help you mark the occasion online, including educational resources to help start conversations with children, and ideas for having your own local celebration with friends and neighbours.