2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Two significant dates will be commemorated: Thursday 8th May, Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), marking Germany’s surrender to the Allies, and Friday 15th August, Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), when Imperial Japan’s surrender brought the war to an end.
Thetford Town Council is planning special events to bring the community together to honour this monumental time in history. On Thursday 8th May, a unique VE Day flag will be raised at 9am to mark the day of commemoration.
That evening, Thetford will join councils, churches, and organisations across the country by lighting a Beacon of Peace at 9:30pm. Celebrations will culminate on Saturday 10th May, with a community event on Melford Common.
The Council is seeking to capture inspirational stories and recollections from those who experienced VE and VJ Day. As few of the men and women who helped liberate Europe remain to share their stories, the Council hopes to celebrate and preserve their contributions. Residents are encouraged to share memories of returning family members or second-hand accounts of relatives who contributed to the war effort.
The Council is also keen to record stories of how people supported the war effort from home. Did your family host evacuees, join the Land Army, or perhaps crack codes at Bletchley Park? Were they part of the original Dad’s Army? These accounts of home-front contributions are just as important as those from the battlefield.
Thetford is proud to be a rich and diverse community, and the Council would also like to hear from residents with stories of how people from other nations contributed to the war effort. Was someone in your family held in a prisoner of war camp? Did a relative receive recognition for their bravery, even posthumously? Capturing these moments is essential to preserve the memory of this monumental time in history.
Mayor of Thetford, Councillor Chris Harvey, said, “These stories will be a great cornerstone of the commemorations. It has been a while since Thetford hosted a party on Melford Common, and I hope the town’s residents will join us to enjoy these celebrations.”
Do you, or someone you know, have a story to share about World War Two? If you would like to be interviewed, provide information, or recommend someone, please email katebradley@thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk
