The UK is preparing to honour the ‘Greatest Generation’ with an extra bank holiday, commemorating 80 years since World War II’s end.
Next year will see a four-day celebration, centring around May 8—which marks Victory in Europe Day after Germany surrendered unconditionally in 1945—and August 15, which symbolises Japan’s surrender that effectively ended the war.
Though officials haven’t pinned down a specific summer weekend for the extended break yet, confirmation is expected soon according to reports in Bristol Live.
An estimated 70,000 WW2 veterans remain, and the upcoming celebration presents a chance to pay tribute to their service. Veterans are backing the idea of an extended bank holiday eagerly.
Geoff Roberts, 99, captured at Arnhem in 1944, said: “I think it’s very important in these current times we remember those that gave their lives for our freedom and peace in Europe. We should never forget them. Maybe an extra bank holiday will help to remind people about what’s happened in the past.”
Marie Scott, 98, just 17 at the time of D-Day, worked in a crucial, secretive role transmitting coded information to forces during the Normandy invasions. The Express reports she heard firsthand the harrowing sounds of combat from her bunker.
Marie reflected on the potential for additional bank holidays, saying: “An additional bank holiday would be an opportunity to thank all those wonderful people who made such a spectacular victory possible because, without them, the future could have been very dire indeed.”
It’s reported that discussions are ongoing about possibly setting aside May 9 and 12 for national celebrations or adding August 22 as an extra day to the summer bank holiday on August 25, which could create a four-day festive period.
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This prospective bonus time off would allow UK communities to honour these milestone anniversaries in a manner similar to the 2022 Platinum Jubilee.
During that year’s glistening four-day event, people across the nation celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign from June 2 to 5, with another bank holiday for her funeral on September 19.
Additionally, the coronation of King Charles was marked with a public holiday on Monday, May 8, following the ceremonial events at Westminster Abbey.
Taxi Charity for Military Veterans’ Vice President, Dick Goodwin, expressed his anticipation: “We are looking forward to celebrating with the remaining Second World War heroes – they deserve Britain’s gratitude and respect for their courage and sacrifice. We are looking forward to the bank holiday and stand ready to help.”
Though officials kept specific plans under wraps, one did confirm that the celebrations would hold ‘national significance’, with a full programme to be revealed soon.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport conveyed to the Express: “The 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day will be moments of huge significance for our country, and the Government is committed to commemorating the occasions appropriately. That is why we have announced more than £10 million for events. We will announce the Government’s plans to mark the occasion shortly.”
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