Armed Forces community
Walsall marks VE Day 80 anniversary with flag-raising ceremony
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Walsall Council marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a special flag-raising ceremony at 9am on Thursday 8 May 2025 outside the Council House.
The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Anthony Harris, led the ceremony, which brought together civic dignitaries, local veterans and community representatives. Group Captain Ian Sargeant OBE KHS DL, Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands, attended as a representative of the King.
“ Today, we mark the historic 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. It is a great honour for me to lead the borough’s celebrations of VE Day 80, and we come together to commemorate the day peace was secured and victory declared across Europe.
“VE Day is a reminder of our nation’s resilience and courage. It’s a day of profound significance and a time for us to pay tribute and honour the past as well as celebrate with neighbours and loved ones.
“We raise this flag today and remember with gratitude all those whose sacrifices made peace possible.
“Lest we forget. “
The raising of the official VE Day 80 flag marked the beginning of a day of remembrance and celebration across the borough.
The anniversary commemorates the historic day in 1945 when peace was declared across Europe, officially ending the Second World War in Europe and honours the courage and sacrifice of those who made that victory possible.
The flag-raising ceremony is part of a wider programme of VE Day 80 activities taking place throughout Walsall. Communities are hosting street parties and commemorative events supported by Walsall Council, which has waived road closure fees and provided community grants through its partnership with Walsall Community Network.
Libraries across the borough - including Aldridge, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Darlaston, Streetly, Willenhall and the Lichfield Street Hub - are also hosting themed displays and activities to help residents explore and understand this important chapter in our shared history.
