As part of the celebration of the 80th Anniversary of VE Day which marked the end of the war in Europe and WWII as a whole on 8th May 1945, a number of events and celebrations are planned across the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories as part of VE Day 80 - 8th May 2025.
On Thursday 8th May 2025, unique VE Day flags will be raised at 9.00am, and Beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace will be lit at 9.30pm. James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, located in Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, is one of many organisations planning to take part in raising a flag, lighting a lamp and singing ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’ to mark the occasion.
“I am delighted that James Paget Hospital is taking the lead on this, encouraging all other hospitals to take part, especially as it will enable those in hospital on 8th May 2025, along with their doctors, nurses and support staff, including volunteers, to feel part of these important celebrations/commemorations that day, and hope that other hospitals will wish to take part in a similar way.” said Bruno Peek CVO OBE OPR, Pageantmaster of VE Day 80 - 8th May 2025.
Jo Segasby, Chief Executive at James Paget Hospital, said: “As an NHS organisation, we value the connection between our hospital and the communities we serve, and this is a simple but meaningful way of showing our support on the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.
“On behalf of everyone at James Paget Hospitals, including our staff and the patients we care for, we are delighted to take part in this important celebration of the 80th Anniversary of VE Day on 8th May 2025. By raising a VE Day 80 Flag at 9.00am, lighting a Lamp Light of Peace and singing ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’ at 9.30pm on 8th May 2025, our hospital is showing support for this unique significant shared moment of celebration and reflection for everyone who contributed to VE Day eighty years ago. We continue to look after patients that served and lived through those times, and would encourage other hospitals and health care organisations to get involved in a similar way.”