Some might say that this last week has been pretty exciting for the UK, and not least because of a very special anniversary, for all of Wales, as well as the rest of Europe.

Friday the 8th May saw the 70th anniversary of VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day. On this day in 1945, at 11 o’clock in the morning, the then Prime Minister of Britain, Winston Churchill announced to his nation that the war in Europe was officially over. 9 days earlier on the 30th April, German ruler Adolf Hitler had committed suicide during the Battle of Berlin, and his successor Karl Donitz authorised Germany’s surrender. On the 8th May, the treaty of surrender was signed, and soon after, Churchill announced the victory.

“The German war is therefore at an end” said Churchill in his rousing speech. “My dear friends, this is your hour. This is not victory of a party or of any class. It’s a victory of the great British nation as a whole. We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing; but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead. We must now devote all our strength and resources to the completion of our task, both at home and abroad. God save the King!”

Although celebrations took place across the country to mark the end of the war, including street parties, dances and cheering crowds, the mood was still sombre. Six years of bitter fighting had left Europe in tatters. It affected over 100 million people from over 30 different countries and although official figures vary, the death toll is thought to be around 75 million. People were displaced from their homes and countries, and many were never able to return.

The aftermath of war in the UK was felt for many years – rationing continued until the mid 1950s, and during the War, Britain had spent more than a quarter of it’s national wealth.

Today, 70 years after the end of the Second World War, not only are there many reasons to celebrate but also to commemorate the men and women who gave their lives so that we could enjoy the freedom and democracy we know today. Lives of families across Britain were changed forever, and it is to them that we owe thanks and gratitude that we’re able to celebrate the 70th anniversary of VE Day. Lest we forget…….

Churchill waves to crowds in London on VE Day 1945