This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War, with Victory in Europe (VE) Day being 8 May 1945.
The Second World War changed the course of history and the generation who lived through it commenced the rebuilding of an exhausted country in the post war years.
It is important that we continue to find ways to share and reflect on these experiences and also mark the contribution and personal sacrifices that our Veterans and Armed Forces made to defend our safety and security.
To mark this significant anniversary, a VE80 Parade will take place in Dumfries Town Centre, on Saturday, 10 May 2025 from 10.30am to 12.30pm with representatives of our retired and serving Armed Forces personnel, members of our local Cadet Units, and other uniformed organisations taking part.
The parade will be led by members of the Dumfries and Annan Town Bands and will include a display of John Webster Vintage Army Vehicles; the Royal British Legions Scotland (RBLS) Riders Branch; and Standard Bearers from RBLS Branches. Council Convener, Councillor Malcolm Johnstone, will deliver the Welcome and the Councils’ Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Archie Dryburgh MBE will act as Master of Ceremonies.
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Dumfries, Dr Fiona Armstrong will Address the Parade. Wreaths will be laid by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Dumfries, Dr Fiona Armstrong; His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for The Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, Matthew St Clair, The Lord Sinclair; and His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Wigtown, Mrs Aileen Brewis.
Midsteeple Quarter is supporting the anniversary by hosting a window display by the RBLS Dumfries and Maxwelltown Branch and Veterans Garden in the run up to VE Day events.
We have been advised of a number of community-led commemorative events are taking place across our region on Thursday, 8 May as follows:
• Annan War Memorial at 10.45am.
• Dumfries War Memorial, St John’s Church at 11am.
• Moffat War Memorial at 11am.
• Sanquhar War Memorial at 11am.
• Castle Square, Stranraer at 11am.
• Lochmaben War Memorial at 11am
• Dalbeattie War Memorial, Colliston Park at 6pm.
• Newton Stewart War Memorial, Dashwood Square at 6pm.
• Langholm War Memorial, at 6.30pm.
Dumfries and Galloway Council Convener, Councillor Malcolm Johnstone, said:
“Our Council is proud to share our plans to mark the 80th Anniversary of the VE Day and the hope is that this event will bring people and communities together united in their support for our Veterans and Armed Forces. It is an opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life and to remember the many thousands of men and women who served in the Second World War”.Dumfries and Galloway Council Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Archie Dryburgh MBE, said:
“As the 80th Anniversary of the VE Day approaches, our Council is preparing to honour the occasion. We hope that many people will be able to support us on the day in commemorating the sacrifices that were made by so many of our comrades then, and in recognition of the continued active service of every soldier, sailor and aviator, and their families, who form part of our invaluable Armed Forces today”.
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