First News By Andrei

1.VE Day – Victory in Europe Day – 8 May 1945 was the day the

Allied forces announced the surrender of Germany, which ended the

Second World War in Europe. The big four Allied powers were Britain, the

USA, France and the Soviet Union (Russia).

2.Celebrations began straight away throughout Britain, with more than

one million people partying in the streets. King George VI appeared on

the Buckingham Palace balcony with Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Princess Elizabeth (now the UK’s Queen), her mum Queen Elizabeth and

her sister Princess Margaret joined them

3.VE Day is recognised every year with street parties and community

gatherings, and commemorates the millions of civilians and millions in

the armed forces who lost their lives in battle.

In 2015, you might remember the 70th anniversary of VE Day was

marked with three days of celebrations. The Queen joined 1,000 veterans

and their families in a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey

4.In 2015, you might remember the 70th anniversary of VE Day was

marked with three days of celebrations. The Queen joined 1,000 veterans

and their families in a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.

Lockdown means things had to be different this time. The Queen

delivered a special television message from Windsor Castle at 9pm –

at the moment that her father, King George VI, gave a radio address

back in 1945.

5.A 90-year-old woman was shocked

to see herself on a stamp celebrating

75 years since the end of World

War Two! The stamps all feature old

photos from 1945 – the year the war

ended in Europe. Bette Williamson

can be seen on the VE Day stamp,

on the right, behind the US flag. She

was just 14 at the time.

6.Although social distancing means gatherings and parties were

cancelled, there were still other ways to mark the day during lockdown.

A two-minute silence took place at 11am. Then, at 3pm, there was

The Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW2, with people across the UK

standing up and raising a glass of their favourite drink while saying the

following toast: “To those who gave so much, we thank you.” The Red

Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight performed a flypast over

Buckingham Palace in London

7.I din't celebrate VE day. It would have been a good

way

to celebrate it with my family.

8. Bette Williamson

can be seen on the VE Day stamp,

on the right, behind the US flag. She

was just 14 at the time. Describing

the historic day, Bette told the BBC:

“The atmosphere was electric, you

kissed and hugged everyone, it was

wonderful.

9.everyone

coming together

to help one

another. It’s

lovely to see

10.I don't think it's important.