Thursday 8 May is the 80th anniversary of VE Day – a moment of celebration and reflection that marked the end of World War II in Europe. The day will be an opportunity for people in West Sussex to come together and pay tribute to all those who fought for freedom from 1939 to 1945.
Residents are being encouraged to be a part of history by watching a flag raising or the lighting of beacons, joining a street party or attending a church service. You can check out what’s happening near you at ve-vjday80.gov.uk
VE Day events happening in West Sussex
- From May to September our West Sussex Record Office in Orchard Street, Chichester, will host a display of World War II photographs, with a selection of images displayed in some of our libraries across the county as well.
- Throughout May there will be an exhibition at Midhurst Museum of World War II artefacts from the Royal Sussex Regiment collections. You can find out more about the Royal Sussex Regiment Archive including World War II material here: The Royal Sussex Regiment – West Sussex Record Office.
- During War Graves Week from 2 to 11 May, there will be Commonwealth War Graves Commission tours at Midhurst, Easebourne, Lodsworth and Clymping where those who lost their lives in World War II are buried, including men from the Royal Sussex Regiment. Find out more about War Graves Week here.
Chance to reflect on sacrifices made in the pursuit of peace
Councillor Pieter Montyn, Chairman of West Sussex County Council, said: “It is fitting that we mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation and the end of World War II in Europe. The hard-won victory began in June of 1944 with the Allied landings in Normandy and further operations in northern France in which British and Dominion forces alongside US and other forces played a central part. These continued at Arnhem and in the Ardennes during the harsh winter of 1944. In the spring of 1945 British and other forces advanced through northern France and towards the end of April and during the first days of May liberated occupied Belgium and the Netherlands.
West Sussex played its part in the liberation, home as it was to the extensive build-up of ground and airborne personnel and equipment as well as to vast amounts of supporting materiel, in anticipation of the Normandy landings, and supporting continuing cross Channel operations. When the formal end of WW II hostilities was signed on 7 and 8 May, over a million people celebrated in the streets of Britain. Today, Victory in Europe Day is celebrated and remembered in most European nations.
This is a time not only to remember the extraordinary effort and events of 80 years ago, but also to reflect in gratitude on the sacrifices made by so many in the pursuit of peace.”
