Monthly Archives: May 2020

This weekend marks 75 years since the end of the second world war in Europe, and 70 years since the foundations were established of what became the European Union. With the continent facing its biggest challenge since 1945, do the lessons of the war and its aftermath have any resonance for young people? Millennials from around Europe share some of their thoughts and fears.

At times of crisis, populism, racism, xenophobia and fascism rise. After the coronavirus economic crisis really hits, we will witness an unbearable climate of pro-nationalist sentiment. In a world of global challenges nations are the wrong scale to solve those problems.Isabel, scientist, 32, Spain

The fraying of the European project recently has made the second world war suddenly more relevant. For a long time we thought the continents bloody divisions were consigned to the past along with slavery or the guillotine. Now it feels like Europes tormented history was merely suspended for a few decades. Im not frightened of a return to armed conflict, but the potential of destructive disunity feels very real. I have no sentimentality for VE Day but I do think that it should be commemorated.Aleks, 20s, Serbian, living in the UK

Of course there are lessons for my generation from the second world war. I grew up in Germany after all, and what thoughts of racial elitism can do was shockingly impressed on me. How people are turning back to far-right groups all over Europe is very scary.Sophia, 22, Brandenburg, Germany

I am sick of hearing about the war. The allies committed atrocities, war brings out the worst in all people. My friends grandad took part in the D-day landings. He said they hit the legs of the soldiers to get them out on the beaches, they were not brave or heroic willingly and they all shit themselves literally. It was hell, not our finest hour. The lesson to learn is no one should think they are better than anyone else and that peace is the most valuable thing we can possibly have.Jennifer, 35, London

I feel like its our moral responsibility to not let history repeat itself. Im very fearful of the nationalism, populism, isolationism and the rise of hard-right parties in Europe (and in the world of course) that we face currently. I live in constant fear that this degradation will eventually evolve and lead to WW3. From the pandemic I see a lot of great humanity, empathy, solidarity. But I also see terrible things: self-centredness, selfishness, disinformation, intolerance, etc. And I see countries that are absolutely not ready for whats coming.Nina, legal assistant, 27, Montpellier, France

Austria in particular has a tragic past when it comes to nationalism, and people here are acutely aware of this. On the other hand, history never exactly repeats itself and I doubt the horrors of the past would really take place in the same way. Nevertheless, what hides behind nationalism is a profound division between groups of people, which is the antithesis of the European project.Louis, mid-30s, Vienna

I think its good we talk about the second world war in the UK. My boyfriend is Danish and says that despite the country being occupied, and he has family who were young adults at that time, it isnt talked about. Hes never had a conversation with them about it, or how it impacts their views today. Nationalism worries me very much. You see it across Europe, in ways more subtle than Brexit. Freedom of movement seems to be viewed very negatively by many people. When visiting my boyfriends family in Denmark multiple acquaintances or random people have expressed negative feelings about the fact hes dating a foreigner.Heather, Edinburgh

This was a traumatic experience and has taught me, as a millennial, not to take peace for granted. Our national curriculum is flawed, however. At school we are taught predominantly about Britains role in the war, as if it defeated the Nazi regime singlehandedly. In reality, Britains success depended entirely on our continental and global alliances.Sonia 22, British, living in Paris

The second world war still divides my nation today. Politicians have been using it divide the nation. Its like a continuous witch-hunt ever since the breakup of Yugoslavia that shifts the focus away from the real lessons of the war. The pandemic too has made me pessimistic. It has enabled a rise in rightwing governments in many parts of Europe which used the lockdown to start implementing their draconian laws.Andreja, 30s, Ljubljana, Slovenia

VE Day symbolises an important victory indeed. People were happy not to be under German oppression anymore, but in Italy most people do not feel it or dont even know it exists. We mark our own liberation day on 25 April. I can see first hand in Italy what nationalistic propaganda is like and what nationalism-oriented communication is like. Its scary.Lorenzo, 20s, Milan

I think its important to acknowledge those who gave up so much for our freedom. My dad lives in South Yorkshire and they have been celebrating VE Day in their socially distanced front gardens! My generation should still learn the lessons of the war. But as our government refused PPE from the EU procurement agreement, it makes me pessimistic about the idea of Britain working with Europe.Rosie, primary teacher, 30, South Yorks, based London

I think we need to get away from the second world war as a cultural touchstone. Not forget that it happened but with every passing day the context we live in is further removed from it. It has become warped into a nationalist icon, removed from the reality of what actually happened. The lessons people use it to teach are that Britain is special in Europe because we werent invaded, fuelling the delusion that we can do everything alone. The tub-thumping pseudo-patriotism of wannabe demagogues is terrifying.Nick, PhD student, 26, Manchester

For a Croat in particular, the second world war continues to mark my generation as we havent been able to transcend divisions dating from then. Some in my generation still struggle to make sense of the lessons of the war. For me it is clear: after the worst modern atrocities on the continent, we as Europeans committed to creating a more peaceful continent. One thing that the Covid crisis might bring is to reveal the inability of nationalist governments to manage the pandemic on their own.Luka, 22, Zagreb

Captain Tom and my grandfather exemplify VE Day to me. That stiff upper lip determination that were are not alone and all in this together. Or the Queen saying we will meet again. This crisis shows that the level of support forged in the cauldron of the second world war are still with us. Whether the staff of the NHS or carers, volunteers racing around to deliver food parcels.Ben, engineer working as a bin collector, 20s, Carlisle

I am anxious about VE Day. My fear is that the loudest voices will be those who want to shout about Britain standing alone and using that to justify a nationalist agenda despite the passage of 75 years. Britain seems obsessed with the war in a way no other European country is.Peter, 29, London

I am the grandchild of a Holocaust survivor, and my Dutch grandparents both suffered under German occupation. Being Jewish and living in Amsterdam, the scars of the Jewish community are all over the city. I cant speak for my generation, but I can say that for me it feels like peace is conditional, it is hard-fought. The fact that many of my best friends are now Germans is a blessing I never take for granted.Software engineer, 25, Amsterdam

The second world war teaches us never again. The trouble is, most people take that to mean just the gas chambers; everything leading up to that point is apparently acceptable. I also think the UK looks on WWII as a glorious victory of the British against the Germans, rather than a collaborative effort against fascism. The UK has cherrypicked and romanticised history, which makes it impossible for us to learn from it.Sarah, 31, Milton Keynes

I would say the second world war taught us that no country can make it alone and left us with a deep mistrust of nationalism. However, I look around and I see how little of these two lessons has actually stuck.Michaela, scientist, 32, Italy

Too many people my age do not even know about the Holocaust, and just how easily European countries slid into horrific persecution and violence. I think our generation needs to contend with this now more so than ever, with razor-wire fences going up all over European and racism, Islamophobia, anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination and gender-based discrimination all on the rise in recent years. A better understanding of this history will remind our generation how easy it is for a society to fall into the abyss.Adam, 25, Helsinki

The narrative often portrayed in our history lessons was of national pride and British exceptionalism. Having been fortunate to speak to a number of elderly relatives who played a part in the war their stories didnt match what we were taught, rather they focused on the horrors experienced, and the need for co-operation. I think our generation needs to be aware that the memory of the war has been corrupted to encourage nationalism and British exceptionalism.Oliver, student, 21, Norfolk

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'We're forgetting the lessons of 1945': young people on VE Day - The Guardian

As she remembered Britain's Second World War sacrifices and the "joyous celebrations" that followed the end of fighting in Europe, the head of state paid tribute to the positive qualities of today's generation.

She said the tireless efforts of NHS staff, care and key workers, and communities helping the vulnerable, reflected a nation "those brave soldiers, sailors and airmen would recognise and admire".

And she highlighted the message of VE Day that resonates with the country's plight today - "Never give up, never despair".

Her televised address came at the end of national celebrations, curtailed due to the lockdown, marking 75 years to the day Britain and its Allies formally accepted Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender, following almost six years of brutal warfare.

Speaking from Windsor Castle's white drawing room, the Queen said in her pre-recorded message: "The wartime generation knew that the best way to honour those who did not come back from the war, was to ensure that it didn't happen again.

"The greatest tribute to their sacrifice is that countries who were once sworn enemies are now friends, working side by side for the peace, health and prosperity of us all.

"Today it may seem hard that we cannot mark this special anniversary as we would wish. Instead we remember from our homes and our doorsteps.

"But our streets are not empty; they are filled with the love and the care that we have for each other.

"And when I look at our country today, and see what we are willing to do to protect and support one another, I say with pride that we are still a nation those brave soldiers, sailors and airmen would recognise and admire."

7pm update: Last Post played across UK

Trumpeters and buglers up and down the country have played The Last Post to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

The piece is often played at military memorials, and was taken up by dozens of musicians across the UK to mark the day that commemorates the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Among those involved was Paul Cartwright, from Ryhill near Wakefield, who plays with the West Yorkshire Police Band, which plays in Ypres every year on November 11.

The 48-year-old Church of England priest told the PA news agency: "It was to be able to honour those who gave their life for us, and also to honour those who are working so hard for us now in the armed forces, to help with all the Nightingale hospitals and all the logistics.

"It was to get the community involved and to give a bit of thanks for the peace that was brought on VE Day."

4.30pm update: Trump lays wreath at Washington war memorial

US President Donald Trump has laid a wreath at the World War Two Memorial in Washington as America marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

3.35pm update: Putin sends VE Day messages to Johnson and Trump

Vladimir Putin has sent telegrams to Boris Johnson and Donald Trump suggesting the need to rekindle their nations' co-operation during World War Two to solve today's problems.

The telegrams were among many Mr Putin dispatched to the Soviet Union's World War Two allies on the 75th anniversary of the end of the conflict in Europe.

Ties with London remain badly strained over the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury two years ago.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke to his British counterpart Dominic Raab earlier this week when, according to Moscow, they agreed to try to improve cooperation.

2.58pm update: Sophie jokes with WW3 veteran about VE day hangover

The Countess of Wessex joked with a Second World War airman about his hangover after VE Day celebrations when they met for a virtual chat.

Members of the royal family have been talking with wartime veterans and civilians this week to hear their stories and mark the 75th anniversary of the war ending in Europe.

Louis Goodwin, 94, from Salisbury, told the countess he joined the RAF in 1943 as an 18-year-old and opted to train as a gunner rather than pilot/navigator as the instruction course was shorter.

Speaking on the Royal British Legion's special online show, screened on its Facebook page, the former airman told the royal he left the VE Day party at 11pm, she said "quite civilised - not too bad" and he replied with understatement and a laugh: "We had a few drinks".

"You remember the headache the next morning?" asked Sophie, and Mr Goodwin replied "Yes, yes and wondering what we were going to do next."

2.22pm update: Skytyping tribute to frontline workers

The UK's first skytyping display has been conducted to mark VE Day and pay tribute to frontline workers.

Messages such as We Will Meet Again and Thank You were etched in the sky above Henstridge airfield in Somerset.

The display was commissioned by the Department for Transport, which recently introduced a law change to allow skytyping and skywriting to take place.

The techniques were made illegal in the UK in the 1960s over safety concerns, but are used in many countries such as the US, Australia, France and Spain.

Skywriting was inadvertently discovered by an RAF pilot during the First World War, when oil accidentally entered a plane's exhaust, creating dense, white smoke.

2pm update:Should delayed 75th anniversary celebration be held after lockdown ends?

Many VE Day celebrations scheduled to take place across the country have been called off due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Do you think memorial events marking the 75th anniversary should be held at a later date to honour the war heroes? Vote in our Express.co.uk pollhere.

1.25pm update: PM to speak to world leaders for VE Day

Boris Johnson will speak with a number of world leaders to remember the events of VE Day 75 years ago.

He has already spoken to Russian president Vladimir Putin to "mark the partnership of British and Russian forces during the war".

The Prime Minister is due to speak with German chancellor Angela Merkel and Polish prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

1.15pm update: Macron and Merkel hold wreath-laying ceremonies

French President Emmanuel Macron held the traditional wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier laid wreaths at Berlin's Memorial to the Victims of War and Dictatorship.

12.30pm update: WW2 veteran shares emotional memories of VE Day

A Second World War veteran has recalled the jubilant scenes at his air force base as Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced the end of fighting following the surrender of Nazi Germany.

Flight Sergeant Eric Edis said: Someone shouted out the war is over!

I can remember Winston, dear Winston on the radio. They loved him.

I remember him thanking all the forces and everyone who had participated and helped us win the war.

It was not just the army and navy and air force, it was the civilians who helped as well and the firefighters and hospital staff. They were all part of winning the war. There was great joy.

11.15am update: UK falls silent in remembrance on VE Day anniversary

The UK fell silent at 11am to remember those who served in the Second World War.

The poignant moment was led by Prince Charles and Camilla, who each laid a wreath at a memorial near Balmoral.

10.45am update:PM pays tribute to wartime generation

In a video shared on social media, Boris Johnson said: Seventy-five years ago the people of this country celebrated victory against Hitlers aggression.

In cities scarred by enemy bombing the crowds gave thanks for a national exertion greater than anything else before or since.

What our country and our allies did was to save freedom not just here but everywhere.

The Prime Minister continued: We are now engaged in a new struggle against the coronavirus which demands the same spirit of national endeavour.

And that means we cant hold the parades and street celebrations we enjoyed in the past.

But all of us who were born since 1945 are acutely conscious that we owe everything we most value to the generation who won the Second World War.

Today we celebrate their achievement, we remember their sacrifice and we take pride in being their compatriots.

We are a free people because of everything they did and our gratitude will be eternal.

10.15am update: Red Arrows fly over London for VE Day

The RAF has staged a flypast with the Red Arrows soaring through the sky over London.

Typhoon fighter jets also crossed over Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.

10.05am update: Sir Keir Starmer releases VE Day video message

The Labour leader said: Today we mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day and we remember the millions of people from across the UK and from across the world who came together in World War Two to fight for our shared values - values of freedom, of democracy, of peace and of tolerance.

We also pay tribute to those that rebuilt and renewed our country after the war.

Based on their values they built a better future.

9.50am update: Should VE Day always be a Bank Holiday?

VE Day is a Bank Holiday this year because the early May Day Bank Holiday, which is traditionally held on the first Monday of the month, has been moved back four days - but should it always be a public holiday?

Express.co.uk readers can vote in our poll on whether VE Day should always be a Bank Holiday.

The May Day Bank Holiday was last moved to May 8 in 1995 to mark the 50th anniversary of VE Day.

9.20am update: VE Day a very special day Captain Tom Moore

Second World War veteran Captain Tom Moore, who has raised more than 32 million for the NHS, told Good Morning Britain: "It's a very special day that is celebrating the end of a very fearsome war in Europe.

"But today it really is a very fine day, the sun is shining on us too, so I think we all need to be very happy that the war in Europe did come to an end.

"It was a very important day and everyone concerned was absolutely very pleased that this was the end... the bombing of London, the bombing of other cities... had come to an end.

"It was a very, very happy day."

9am update: Queen shares clip of King George VIs radio address

The Queen has shared a video on the Royal Familys social media of her father King George VIs radio address on May 8 1945.

The caption said: Today is the 75th anniversary of VE Day: the day when people across the Commonwealth marked the end of war in Europe with a mixture of jubilation and quiet reflection on the many sacrifices which had been made for peace.

8.30am update: GCHQ reveals last message from German Second World War network

The last recorded message to be intercepted from a German military communications network at the end of the Second World War has been revealed.

It shows that Britain's Bletchley Park code breakers carried on working in the dying days of the war to ensure there would be no final stand by the Nazis, according to GCHQ historian Tony Comer.

With the Allies closing in and the network having retreated to the German town of Cuxhaven, a messenger who is identified only as Lieutenant Kunkel sent out a statement.

The intercepted message, which was sent as he signed off on 7 May 1945 at 7.35am, said: "British troops entered Cuxhaven at 1400 on 6 May - from now on all radio traffic will cease - wishing you all the best. Lt Kunkel".

This was immediately followed by: "Closing down for ever - all the best - goodbye".

Bletchley Park code breakers were collecting communications from the German Brown network.

8.05am update: Prince William and Kate mark VE Day

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared a picture on social media of VE Day celebrations.

See the original post here:

VE Day LIVE: Queens says WW2 heroes would be proud of UK today in heartfelt tribute - Express