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Commemorating VE Day 80

Take part in a special year of commemoration as we remember and say thank you to the servicemen and women who served in the Second World War.

2025 marks 80 years since the first Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8 May 1945.

VE Day celebrated the end of the Second World War in Europe and the return of peace to our continent. This year, we’ll remember the sacrifices made by our servicemen and servicewomen and honour the freedom they helped secure.

We’ll also remember the 450,000 people from the UK who lost their lives in the war, including 70,000 civilians, as well as the millions more across Europe and the world.

Scouts have always played an important role in these commemorations, and there’ll be various activities, events, and projects for you to take part in.

A navy blue and red Scout neckerchief displayed on a dark fabric background. The neckerchief is folded with a knot at the bottom, and it features a circular badge with a Union Jack border, a red poppy, and the text 'VE Day 80 – Scouts for Peace.' Two additional matching items are positioned to the left: an embroidered patch and a small enamel pin, both with the same design and messaging.
The official VE Day 80 occasional uniform badge is on sale from Scout Store from 25 March 2025.

Commemorate VE Day 80 with these activities, events and projects

Although VE Day is on 8 May, to celebrate this year’s anniversary, many events will happen on the bank holiday Monday, 5 May.

On that day, communities will gather to remember in different ways – from street parties to community projects.

The Together Coalition is encouraging everyone to be part of The Great British Food Festival on the day.

VE Mail is a special way for young people to hear real stories from the Second World War. Scouts can ask for a letter from a living war veteran to be sent to their group.

Then, Scouts can write letters back to say thank you, share what VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) means to them, and talk about how they’ll help remember the veterans’ story.

Scouts will be supporting key commemoration events in London, and will be represented on:

  • Monday 5 May: Procession and Fly Past in central London 
  • Thursday 8 May: Service at Westminster Abbey, London
  • Thursday 8 May: Concert at Horse Guards Parade, London

The VE Day 80 – Scouts for Peace Badge can be worn on the uniform by all Scouts and volunteers until October 2025.

You can order your badge from Scout Store, along with a matching woggle, scarf and pin badge.

Scouts are invited to light beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace at or just before 9:30pm on Thursday 8 May 2025.

If you’re planning to be part in this, you can register your event nationally. You event will be added to the official calendar and a certificate will be issued.

Take part in our programme activities to help celebrate and mark VE80.  You could try these activities:

Take part in Tip Top Towns and share how you and your community are getting ready for VE Day 80. You can make your own VE Day 80 decorations or join a local community group to plant flowers in shared gardens. There are certificates for all Groups and Sections that join in.

  

Commemorate VJ Day 80

Commemorate VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) by getting involved with Veterans’ Oaks, a tree planting project to commemorate the end of the Second World War.

Learn more about the Veterans' Oaks project
Rover Scouts carrying children on VE Day 1945
VE Mail: Write letters to a Second World War Veteran

To mark 80 years since the end of the second world war in Europe, youth groups and schools across the country are invited to request a letter from a living veteran.

Young people are then encouraged to write back, thanking the veteran, reflecting on what VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) means to them today, and sharing how they’ll help preserve the legacy of the veterans.

Read our blog on VE Mail to get involved >
Activities for commemorating VE Day 80

Take part in our programme activities to help commemorate and mark VE Day 80. You could try these activities: