‘A Generation’s Bravery Remembered’: Massive Crowds Gather in London to Commemorate 80th Anniversary of WWII Victory

LONDON, May 6 — For history teacher Martin Rizcki, emotions ran high during the UK’s commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, especially as the voice of Winston Churchill echoed from loudspeakers across the crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace.

Rizcki was among many who braved the chilly weather and gathered along the Union Jack-lined Mall in central London for the start of four days of VE Day tributes.

“It’s rare to be reminded so powerfully of an entire generation’s bravery,” said Rizcki, in his 40s, whose parents fled Poland just before the war began. “Regardless of our background, we can all relate to the meaning of this day.”

Some began their preparations at dawn, including Patrick and Catherine Beacon, both 76, who had travelled from Coventry and secured a spot near the palace with camping chairs and a thermos of coffee by 7am.

They were determined to get a prime view of the military parade that launched the celebrations, which continue through tomorrow — the official anniversary of Victory in Europe Day — likely to be the last major event featuring a significant number of WWII veterans.

“It’s deeply emotional to be here,” said Patrick, who was born after the war but remembers the aftermath of Nazi air raids on Coventry. “Eighty years of peace — I don’t think we fully grasp what a triumph that is. Where would we be without their sacrifice?”

“For me, it’s a moral duty to be present, especially while conflict still rages in parts of the world,” he added.

King Charles III, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and thousands of spectators looked on as NATO personnel from the US, France, and Germany, along with a contingent of Ukrainian troops, joined the ceremonial procession.

The occasion also drew curious tourists, like 52-year-old Ludivine Batthelot from southern France. “We came out of curiosity — the British know how to do these things so well,” she said. “It’s a kind of folklore, and we wanted to soak in the atmosphere.”

The parade, featuring around 1,000 troops, was followed by a dramatic flypast that included the Red Arrows and other historic and modern military aircraft, viewed from the Buckingham Palace balcony by King Charles, Queen Camilla, and other members of the royal family.

“I came to see the royals,” said 48-year-old Marina Richards, donning Union Jack accessories and a T-shirt with images of Charles and Camilla. “It’s been a hard year for the King — I’m glad I could come and show my support.”

The commemorations will conclude tomorrow with a two-minute national silence at noon, observed by the royals and at government offices. King Charles and Queen Camilla are also scheduled to attend a thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey, followed by a concert at Horse Guards Parade. — AFP