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IN PICTURES: Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of VE Day

Published Sunday 8th May 2005

'The Boys are back in town': Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of VE Day, 6 May 2005

On 8 May 2005, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London, to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of VE Day.

HRH the Prince of Wales laid a wreath, as did Dr John Reid (Secretary of State for Defence), the Chief of Defence Staff, and the single-Service Chiefs of Staff, as well as representatives from various Veterans' organisations including the Royal British Legion and representatives from the Emergency services. A copy of the advance programme of the day's events can be found here (note actual attendees may have differed on the day).

The service at the Cenotaph marked the beginning of a series of events to mark the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War II.

To bring both VE and VJ anniversaries together, the main focus will be a National Commemoration Day on Sunday 10 July at which Her Majesty The Queen will lead. The preceding 'Veterans Awareness Week' (4 -10 July) will encompass many activities across all parts of the nation. There will be a ceremony at the Cenotaph on 21 August to commemorate Victory over Japan Day.

The main theme for all the events is 'Thanks for our Future' to encourage as many people as possible to be involved.

All photographs were taken by MOD photographers Ian Nelson and Harland Quarrington

HRH Prince Charles and fellow wreath layers march into position	HRH Prince Charles during the service at the Cenotaph	Dr John Reid at his first official public engagement since being appointed Secretary of State for Defence
HRH Prince Charles pays his respects at the Cenotaph	Secretary of State for Defence Dr John Reid lays wreath 'In Commemoration and Eternal Gratitude'	Chief the General Staff General Sir Mike Jackson lays a wreath 'On Behalf of The British Army'
First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Alan West lays a wreath at the Cenotaph	Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Michael Walker lays a wreath 'On Behalf of Britains Armed Forces'	Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup lays a wreath 'In respect and gratitude from all members of the Royal Air Force'
A Veteran of the Welsh Regiment from Neath, Glamorganshire and comrade at the Cenotaph	Mrs Pearl Bull representing the Womens Land Army lays a wreath at the Cenotaph	'A little Fortification'
HRH The Prince of Wales lays a wreath 'In Grateful and everlasting memory of those who laid down their lives for our future...'	Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of VE Day, 6 May 2005	Royal Artillery Band formed up behind the Standard Bearers, providing musical accompaniment for the service today at the Cenotaph

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