Thursday 8 May 2025 marks a momentous occasion—80 years since Victory in Europe (VE Day) and the end of the Second World War in Europe. A few months later, on Friday 15 August, we mark Victory Over Japan (VJ Day), the moment when peace was finally restored to the world following Japan’s surrender. Together, these milestones commemorate the official end of WWII and the beginning of a new era of freedom.
At Viking Arms, we are proud to support this year’s VE and VJ Day 80 commemorations, which honour not only the fallen but also the few living veterans who remain with us today—men and women whose courage and sacrifice shaped the free world we know today.
Why This Year Matters More Than Ever
This 80th anniversary will be one of the last opportunities for the nation to hear firsthand from Second World War veterans. As time passes, it becomes ever more important to preserve their stories, share their memories, and educate the next generation about the values they fought to protect.
As a company rooted in history and tradition, Viking Arms understands the importance of passing down stories of bravery, endurance, and unity. We believe that remembering the past is key to protecting the future—and the freedom we all enjoy today.
A Time to Reflect, Remember, and Connect
We’re proud to stand alongside veterans and their families in this year of national remembrance. Through our support of the campaign and our engagement with the armed forces community, we aim to:
- Honour those who served and those who paid the ultimate price
- Thank our living veterans, many of whom still carry the stories of the past
- Connect communities and generations through shared histories
- Reflect on the values—freedom, democracy, and peace—that the Second World War generation fought so hard to defend
This is more than a history lesson—it’s a call to action. As Deborah Meaden so powerfully puts it, “We owe them more than remembrance. We owe them action.”
At Viking Arms, our heritage is shaped by those who served—many of whom were our grandparents, great-grandparents, or colleagues. Their stories remind us that peace is hard-won, that values must be defended, and that freedom should never be taken for granted.
As we mark 80 years of peace, we do so with gratitude, humility, and a firm belief that the stories of those who served must live on—not just in history books, but in our daily lives and values.
We are proud to say: They are not forgotten.
Find out more ways to get involved via ve-vjday80.gov.uk
