Bedford Borough marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) this morning (Thursday) with a commemorative flag-raising ceremony in Harpur Square.
The ceremony brought the community together to honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who helped bring peace to Europe.
Led by the Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton, and members of the Bedford and District branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL), the ceremony featured music from a bugler and piper and a specially commissioned VE Day flag raised in the heart of the town centre.
VE Day is commemorated across the UK each year on 8 May to mark the formal end of World War II in Europe, following Germany’s surrender in 1945.
The day honours the military personnel who served and the civilians on the Home Front whose resilience helped secure Allied victory.
After the event, Mayor Tom Wootton said: “Today marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, a moment that changed the course of history and shaped the freedoms we enjoy today.
“This ceremony on this poignant occasion is a chance for us, as a community, to stand together in remembrance and to reflect on the legacy of a generation that faced unimaginable horrors.
“It is often repeated, but today it feels so important to remember that for our tomorrow, they gave their today.”
“It’s vital we keep remembering”
Among those participating in the event was Royal British Legion bugler and former Army serviceman Trevor Hardwick, who told the Bedford Independent and Simply Bedford that being a part of it meant a lot to him.
“I joined up in 1957 and served with people who’d fought in the war. My father went all the way through France into Germany. It was good to see so many people out today, supporting our country and remembering those who served,” he said.
Mary, 79, from Bedford, also reminisced to us, “My dad was in the army, so seeing everyone here today, giving thanks, was really lovely. It brought back memories.”
Kumar Shreshta, a former Gurkha Signals soldier and now a Bedford businessman, added, “As the first Gurkha in this town, it means a great deal to represent the Brigade of Gurkhas at events like this.
“We must never forget our history — it’s because of that sacrifice we enjoy freedom today.”
Steve Spring, from the Rotary Club of Bedford Castle, agreed it’s important to remember what events like today are for. “These commemorations matter because, as generations move on, we risk losing sight of what freedom really means.
“It’s vital we keep remembering,” he said.
RBL Parade Marshall Major Ben Mason and a team of veterans and volunteers supported the flag-raising. Camilla King, the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, also attended, along with Elizabeth Toogood DL, who read out a poem.
Further events are planned for this Sunday (11 May) as Bedford continues to mark VE and VJ Day anniversaries. These include:
- A parade from Midland Road to Harpur Square at 2.30pm
- A church service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Church at 3pm
- A VE Day flag-raising ceremony at the Old Town Hall
- Troop inspection and presentations at Riverside Square from around 4pm
The events are free to attend, and all Bedfordians are encouraged to attend and show their support. For further details about the events and last-minute updates, visit Bedford Borough Council’s Facebook page.
VJ Day, or Victory over Japan Day, will be commemorated on 15 August. It marks the day in 1945 when Japan surrendered to the Allies, effectively ending the Second World War.
While VE Day signified peace in Europe, VJ Day brought final closure to a global conflict that had cost millions of lives.
The day is an opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of those who fought in the Asia-Pacific region, many of whom endured harsh conditions as prisoners of war or in prolonged combat.
