Ripley VE Day Commemorations
“Together, we honour the past and celebrate a future built on unity, hope, love and peace”.
VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, commemorates the end of World War II in Europe on May 8, 1945, when Nazi Germany officially surrendered to the Allies. 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day in Europe.
Today we highlight VE Day as a school community and mark the 80th anniversary of this significant date, by doing meaningful things during the school day, which will hopefully give pupils the opportunity to reflect and think about the importance of this anniversary.
During Form reflection, we look at how VE Day links to our Ripley values of Faith, Hope, Love and Service and Form Tutors are reading the VE Day proclamation and listening to the official hymn of gratitude for VE Day, I vow to thee my country.
Faith
During and after VE Day, faith played a crucial role in providing comfort, hope, and a sense of purpose, as people celebrated the end of the war and looked towards rebuilding a better future.
Hope
Hope was important during VE Day as it marked the end of the war in Europe, offering a glimmer of a brighter future after years of conflict, destruction, and fear, and a chance for families to reunite.
Love
Love was incredibly important during and after VE Day as it marked the end of the war and the beginning of a new chapter for families and communities who had been separated and endured hardship for years.
Service
During VE Day, service was important as it marked the end of the war in Europe, a time for both celebration and reflection, and a chance to honour the sacrifices of those who served and the resilience of the generation that fought in the war.
- Many staff will be sharing their VE Day inspired silent starters today – here are some from Mrs Barton in Computing, Mrs Bell for Design Technology and Miss Earl and the PE team.
- During break and lunchtimes, we will be playing a VE Day inspired Spotify playlist in the canteen: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5L1HzPmI3wzayoHV6EvEtn… and we are delighted that Mr Freeman and the catering team have prepared a VE Day inspired menu!
- Mr Linton will also be organising a lunchtime screening of the National Theatre production film ‘The Next Morning’.
- At the end of the day, many teachers are planning to share Churchill’s 3pm speech to the nation and Commonwealth at 3pm in their final lesson.
- Throughout the week, Cadets have also been selling the official VE Day pin badges for a £2 donation outside the Portacabin on the backyard at lunchtimes. All proceeds go to The Royal British Legion.
Check out the link to the official GOV.UK VE events page with interactive maps.
https://ve-vjday80.gov.uk/events/
