May 1945: Victory in Europe Day

Today, May 8 marks the 69th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). On this day in 1945, the Allied powers in Europe accepted the unconditional surrender of the Axis powers. On behalf of AML and her supporters, we thank all those who fought and sacrificed so much across Europe and the countless numbers of Australians who served with distinction and honour on land, sea and in the air. 

Pictured are HM King George VI, HM Queen Elizabeth, the then HRH The Princess Elizabeth (far left) and HRH The Princess Margret with British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill on the balcony at Buckingham Palace after the announcement of the end of hostilities.

VE Day marked the end of the worst war to have taken place on European soil in the history of the world. Every corner of the United Kingdom, every country of the British Empire, every region of Allied countries was effected and paid a huge price for the freedoms which we now seem to take for granted. Lest we forget what our ancestors, in uniform and without, suffered through and in many cases gave their lives for as to forget the past is to repeat the past. 

We also should remember the incredible support and comfort that H.M. King George VI and H.M. Queen Elizabeth gave to their peoples via their wartime broadcasts, visits and for remaining in London during the blitz. Last but not least we have to remember the leadership of one of our greatest Prime Ministers Sir Winston Spencer-Churchill.