A ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day is set to take place in Manchester tomorrow (May 8), which will include a two-minute silence. Civic dignitaries, veterans and councillors will be in attendance to commemorate the sacrifice and bravery of those who played their part in securing victory during the Second World War.
On May 8, 1945, millions of Britons took to the streets in joy as news broke that the Axis powers in Europe had finally surrendered. This marked the end of nearly six years of fighting in Europe and Africa.
The war in Asia would finally end a few months later on August 15, 1945, known as VJ Day. Over the course of the war, tens of thousands of Mancunians had answered their country’s call, either in the armed forces or the home front, playing their part in securing a hard-fought victory.
The VE Day ceremony follows celebrations which took place on bank holiday Monday in Manchester, where a number of street parties took place for local people to come together to pay their own tribute to the sacrifices made by past generations.
When and where will the VE Day ceremony take place in Manchester?
People will be invited to congregate around the Cenotaph in St Peter’s Square in advance of 12 noon, on Thursday 8th May. From 11.55am the Leader of Manchester City Council, the Lord Mayor and other civic and military dignitaries will make their way to the Cenotaph ahead of the Last Post being sounded. A maroon will be fired at midday to mark the beginning of a two minute silence, with a second maroon being fired to mark its end.
A wreath and flowers will be laid in memory of those who gave their lives during the conflict. The public are welcome to join this moment in St Peter’s Square to pay their own respects, and to observe the two-minute silence.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The 80th anniversary of VE Day is an important moment to remember and honour the immense sacrifices which previous generations made to defeat the tyranny of the Nazis in Europe.
“As the years go by and the Second World War moves further from living memory we should never forget the ultimate sacrifice and celebrate those who served out country. Manchester will remember them, and as a city comes together to celebrate VE Day and all that is great about our city and country.”