Eighty years ago, huge headlines in the morning papers on May 8, 1945, announced the German Third Reich’s unconditional surrender.
The war in Europe was over, although many troops were redeployed to fight in East Asia and the Pacific for three more months.
With the surrender of Imperial Japan on August 15, World War II officially ended on September 2, 1945, designated as Victory over Japan Day or VJ Day.
Thames Museum Te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga is commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) on May 31, 2025.
The World War II Historical Re-enactment Society will be attending, bringing displays related to the New Zealand Home Guard, 21st Battalion, the Long Range Desert Group, American and German forces and more.
There will be inside displays and talks, as well as music from the era, a sausage sizzle and crafts for children.
Brendan O’Carroll, an authority on the Long Range Desert Group, will speak about the group. At noon, the raising and lowering of the New Zealand flag and one minute’s silence will be observed in honour of all those who gave their lives in the name of freedom.
DETAILS: VE Day 80th anniversary, May 31, 9am-3pm at Thames Museum. Entry by donation, all ages welcome. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be postponed. See Facebook for cancellations or phone 868 8509.
