VE Day: What is it, when is it and why do we remember? | Newsround

Summary

VE Day marks the victory of the Allies over Nazi Germany in World War Two, commemorated each year on May 8th. This day in 1945 saw Prime Minister Winston Churchill announce Germany's defeat, and people across Britain celebrated with joy and relief. However, it was also a time of reflection on the sacrifices made during the war. The celebrations, filled with dancing, music, and vibrant colors, highlighted the end of one phase of the war, though fighting against Japan continued until V-J Day later that year. Eighty years later, VE Day continues to honor those who gave so much during the war.

Takeaways

• 😀 VE Day marks the end of World War II in Europe, celebrated on May 8th every year.
• 😀 The war started in 1939 when Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, invaded Poland, leading Britain and France to declare war.
• 😀 Families in Britain were deeply affected by the war, with many waiting for news about their loved ones on the front lines.
• 😀 The war caused widespread destruction, with bombings turning homes into rubble and cities being devastated.
• 😀 Children from large towns and cities were evacuated to the countryside for safety during the war.
• 😀 Resources like food and clothes were rationed to ensure there was enough for everyone during wartime.
• 😀 The war was fought between the Allies (including Britain, the US, and the Soviet Union) and the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan).
• 😀 On May 8, 1945, Nazi Germany was defeated, marking the official end of hostilities in Europe, and VE Day was declared.
• 😀 People across the UK celebrated VE Day with dancing, singing, and national pride, wearing red, white, and blue.
• 😀 Queen Elizabeth II, then a princess, secretly joined the public celebrations on the streets of London during VE Day.
• 😀 Although VE Day marked the end of the war in Europe, the war continued in the Pacific against Japan, ending on V-J Day on August 15, 1945.

Q & A

What is VE Day and why is it significant?

VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, marks the end of World War II in Europe. It is significant because it commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany, symbolizing the end of years of conflict and the immense sacrifices made during the war.

What event led to Britain and France declaring war on Germany?

Britain and France declared war on Germany after Adolf Hitler, the Nazi dictator, led the German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939.

What were some of the challenges faced by families during the war?

Families faced the uncertainty of waiting for letters from loved ones who were sent to fight. Many received the heartbreaking news of casualties, and others faced destruction as cities were bombed, leaving homes in ruins.

How did children in Britain cope during the war?

Children in large towns and cities were evacuated to the countryside away from their families for safety. This was done to protect them from the bombings and destruction in urban areas.

How did the British government ensure that resources were available during the war?

The British government implemented rationing, limiting the availability of food and clothing to ensure that there was enough for everyone during the difficult wartime period.

Who were the main Allied powers in World War II?

The main Allied powers included Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union.

What were the Axis powers in World War II?

The Axis powers were Germany, Italy, and Japan.

When was VE Day, and what was the public response in the UK?

VE Day was on May 8, 1945. The public response was celebratory, with people filling the streets, dancing, and singing in red, white, and blue. Huge crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace to celebrate.

What role did Queen Elizabeth (then a princess) play in the VE Day celebrations?

Princess Elizabeth, who would later become Queen Elizabeth, secretly joined the public celebrations on the streets of London during VE Day.

What was the mood like on VE Day, and how did it differ for some people?

VE Day brought a sense of relief and celebration, but it was also a time of reflection for many, as they mourned the losses from the war. While the war in Europe had ended, the conflict in the Pacific continued until Japan's surrender on V-J Day.

What is the significance of V-J Day, and when did it occur?

V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day) marks Japan's surrender, which officially ended World War II. It occurred on August 15, 1945, after the long struggle against Japan continued even after the defeat of Nazi Germany.

Why do we still celebrate VE Day 80 years after the end of the war?

We continue to celebrate VE Day to honor the sacrifices made by those who fought and endured during World War II. It serves as a reminder of the cost of freedom and the importance of peace.