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Latest News

Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War Two

Published Tuesday 13th September 2005

WWII 60th anniversary logo
WWII 60th anniversary logo

2005 marked the 60th anniversary of the End of the Second World War.  Britain commemorated the anniversary with three national events, as well as many local activities arranged by veterans' organisations across the country.

The anniversary also provided an opportunity to unveil a new memorial on Whitehall to the women who served on the Home Front, and elsewhere.

In the first of the national events, HRH the Prince of Wales led a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, to commemorate Victory in Europe day on 8 May 2005.

The centrepiece of the year's events was Veteran's Awareness Week (from 4-10 July) which culminated in National Commemoration Day.  The day began with a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, attended by HM the Queen.  Later, thousands turned out to commemorate the end of the War, including smartly dressed Veterans to young families, tourists and local people.  In all, hundreds of thousands joined in the celebrations in London's St James's Park, witnessing events in person, on the big screens on The Mall, or on television.

The final national ceremony was held on 21 August 2005, when HRH the Prince of Wales, the Chiefs of Staff and representatives of the Government and of veterans' organisations laid wreaths at the Cenotaph to mark Victory over Japan day and the final end of the War.

A full list of all the news from the 60th Anniversary commemorations can be seen below, in reverse date order, or see the official website.

NEWS FROM THE COMMEMORATIONS

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