08 May 2025
As the Clock Tower struck nine o’clock this morning, St Albans Town Crier Stephen Potter read a proclamation marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe which was simultaneously being heard across the UK.
He was joined by St Albans Mayor Cllr Jamie Day and local MP Daisy Cooper, watched on by representatives from the Civic Society, SADC and other local organisations.
The proclamation said: “Eighty years ago today the United Kingdom and its allies from around the globe celebrated VE Day – the end of the war in Europe.
“Today as we come together to commemorate what came to be known as VE Day our thoughts turn to thanksgiving and remembrance of those millions that gave so much to achieve the freedom we all enjoy today.
“We remember those we lost, those who were wounded or scarred, those whose lives were forever changed by war. Nobody was immune from the impact of that terrible conflict. Let us pause to remember their sacrifice.
“We reflect too upon the words of our late and glorious Queen, Elizabeth – ‘Never give up, never despair’ – and so we offer thanksgiving for the selflessness of those who gave up so much in order that future generations should enjoy the blessings of freedom, democracy and peace.
“God save the King!”
This was then followed at 9.30am by the laying of a wreath at the war memorial at the top of St Peter’s Street alongside members of the Royal British Legion, councillors, honorary aldermen and senior council officials.
Those in attendance were joined by local residents in paying their respects to the millions of victims of the Second World War and other conflicts before and since.
VE Day occurred on May 8 1945 when Nazi Germany surrendered to Britain and its allies, bringing an end to the Second World War in Europe.
A veterans’ coffee morning, hosted by the Mayor, is taking place at the Civic Centre this morning, and the Union flag is being flown from St Albans Museum + Gallery where a new display exploring the varied wartime experiences of local people can be seen in the Assembly Room.
Among the other events taking place around the district to mark the historic occasion are beacon lightings at Highfield Park, Harpenden Common and Redbourn.
The Highfield Park event, organised by Highfield Park Trust, begins at 8.30pm with the Town Crier reading the proclamation at 9.20pm.
The Harpenden Common event takes place from 9.15pm, and at Redbourn, there will be a short service at St Mary’s Church at 8pm followed by the 9.30pm beacon lighting at the village’s war memorial.
Following the beacon lightings, those in attendance will be encouraged to join in a communal singing of I Vow To Thee My Country and the National Anthem.
At St Albans Cathedral there will be a special Choral Evensong this afternoon at 5pm, sung by the Abbey Singers and including prayers for peace across the world.
In celebration of VE Day the bells will be rung in St Albans at the Cathedral, St Peter’s and St Stephen’s churches between 6.30pm and 7.30pm.
Back in 1945, VE Day was the first time that most church bells had been rung in over six years, since the beginning of the Second World War.
The St Albans Cathedral bells were lowered to the floor in 1941 until 1944 as it was feared that if the tower was struck, the falling bells would cause significant damage to the building…
So if you’re in town – take a moment to come and listen to one (or all!) of the three towers whilst they ring – and spare a thought for those that sacrificed their lives for our tomorrow…
