World War 2 Commemorative Events 2005

The Nation Remembers

Between the 4th and the 10th of July the nation celebrated sixty years of the end of World War 2, with the main events taking place in London.  A Living Museum in St James park captured the imagination of young people and took those who were there during WW2 back in time, giving them a chance to reminisce and reflect.  Anyone who was near Buckingham Palace by nightfall were able to watch massive projections of images from wartime Britain displayed against the facade of the Palace. 

Her Majesty The Queen unveiled the Monument to the Women of World War 2 and Baroness Betty Boothroyd gave an empowered speech to mark the occasion.  Veterans and their organisations were paid tribute on National Commemoration Day, with stars such as Petula Clark and Jane Horrocks performing, and a flypast and poppy drop while the Royal Family waved from the palace balcony. 

The Warriors for the Working Day Art Exhibition presented an unique opporutnity for the public to view work of the artists of World War 2, and wreath laying ceremonies took place on VE and VJ Day respectively.  Click on the links below to find out what happened during Veterans Awareness Week and National Commemoration Day, and other records of the celebrations.

WW2 60th Anniversary News

Listen to Audio Interviews from all throughout the week

See the Images from Veterans Awareness Week and National Commemoration Day on the Defence Image Database 

Read all of the related press releases from the events

See the Veterans Agency calendar for local events.