On the 8th May 2024, we celebrated VE Day in our head office, throwing a fabulous afternoon for our office staff, care staff and service users to pay our respects to those who served in World War 2, and have a day of reflection for those who have lost their loved ones in the battle, fighting for our country.

Continue reading to hear all about why we celebrate VE Day, and all about the life of 2 of our fabulous service users, Brian and Ken, who made an appearance on the day.

What is VE Day?

VE Day is the official end of fighting with Nazi Germany in World War 2 – this is known as Victory in Europe Day. This took place on the 8th May 1945, and was announced by Winston Churchill at 3pm to the whole of Europe. Although, this wasn’t the official end of World War 2, with many soldiers still fighting against Japan up until August of the same year. Winston Churchill made this clear by stating: “We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing, but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead”.

How did the fight with Nazi Germany come to an end?

The war against Nazi Germany ended when it became clear Germany would not win the world war, after leader Adolf Hitler died on 1st May 1945.

On 7 May 1945 in Reims, France, Alfred Jodl, a high-ranking general in the Nazi Armed Forces, signed a surrender document. The announcement by Winston Churchill would then be made the next day.

How did Europe celebrate?

In England, they held street parties galore and massive celebrations, dressing in red, white and blue to commemorate the end of fighting against Nazi Germany. Crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace in London, cheering to King George VI as him and his family entered the balcony to greet the crowds. It was estimated that 50,000 people gathered the streets in London to celebrate the day.

The general public weren’t the only people who came out onto the streets to celebrate the big day, with Queen Elizabeth II and her sister Princess Margaret sneaking out onto the streets to celebrate with the big crowds. With both sisters serving in the World War 2, they wore their uniforms to stay undercover and avoid being recognised in the crowd.

In an interview with the BBC in 1985, Queen Elizabeth II stated: “When the excitement of the floodlights being switched on got through to us, my sister and I realized that we couldn’t see what the crowds were enjoying, so we asked my parents if we could go out and see for ourselves”.

Where can I learn more about the history of VE Day?

To learn more about the history of VE Day, you can visit the BBC website by clicking here

So, what about Brian and Ken?

All about Brian

Brian is one of our fabulous service users here at Homecarers Liverpool, and arrived at our office in his shirt and tie ready for our VE Day! Brian was born in 1952, and is a massive fan of Barbara Streisand, asking us to play his favourite song by the singer, ‘Guilty’. He even has a pet budgie called Barbara! He also loves Andy Williams (specifically ‘Can’t take my eyes off you’), the Beejees, and classical music. In his younger years, Brian used to love playing cricket in his teens. In his working life, Brian worked in a warehouse making gas cookers for many years. Finally, we asked Brian what the biggest change he has seen since his younger years, and he thinks the biggest change is the increase and development of technology. Brian said he had a fantastic time at our head office celebrating VE Day – it was lovely to see you Brian!

All about Ken

Ken is another one of our fabulous service users who attended our VE Day party. Ken was born in 1967 and is a massive Everton fan (as you can tell from his blue polo and Everton cap!), and was even a season ticket holder for the football club. In his younger years, Ken used to love sport and played many in his early 20’s with all of friends; he played football, basketball, volleyball and badminton. He even used to teach all 4 of the sports! After this, Ken moved down to the Isle of Wight for 5 years, where he spent his time working as a chef. He then carried on this career for 22 years, working as a chef in many different pubs and restaurants. After that, Ken spent his time working in the Railway service over in Crewe. In his lifetime, Ken spent 14 years being his mother’s main carer, before Ken came to Homecarers looking for care for himself. Ken now receives care from us twice a week, from regular carers Amber and Evie. We spoke to Ken about his time at our head office celebrating VE Day, and he said he had a fantastic time celebrating with all of the team.

We hope you both had a lovely time!

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