**Hundreds Mark 80th Anniversary of VE Day at Cardiff’s Llandaff Cathedral**
**Cardiff, 8 May 2025** — The 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day was commemorated in poignant style this week as about 250 people gathered at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff. The event, which drew together military veterans, members of the public, and a number of political figures, was led by First Minister Eluned Morgan in a moving tribute to all those who suffered and served during the Second World War.
The anniversary, marking eight decades since the cessation of fighting in Europe in 1945, saw the cathedral filled with remembrance and reflection. Organisers stressed the importance of not letting the sacrifices and stories of the wartime generation fade from collective memory, particularly at a time when eyewitnesses are sadly dwindling in number.
Speaking at the national thanksgiving service, Ms Morgan highlighted both the individual and collective acts of bravery exhibited by Welsh men and women during the war years. “It was an honour to be in Llandaff Cathedral to remember the exceptional courage and resilience of those who fought for our freedom,” she remarked during her address to attendees. The First Minister went on to underscore the influence of these events on the identity and future of Wales.
More than 15,000 Welsh servicemen and women lost their lives during World War II, a sobering figure that was acknowledged with a minute’s silence as a mark of respect. Alongside the commemorations at Llandaff, further tributes and moments of reflection are scheduled to take place throughout the country, culminating in Thursday’s National Service of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey.
Those gathered at Llandaff were reminded that this milestone is not simply a date in history. “This anniversary is about honouring ordinary Welsh people who did extraordinary things,” Ms Morgan told the audience, emphasising the lasting impact that the Second World War has had on both Wales and the wider world. She urged current and future generations to ensure that the accounts of those who lived through this era are not lost.
VE Day itself, which fell on 8 May 1945, was greeted by scenes of spontaneous celebration across Wales and the United Kingdom, as people responded to Winston Churchill’s announcement that war in Europe was effectively finished. On that historic day, newspapers emblazoned headlines such as “TODAY IS ‘VE’ DAY: The second Great War has ended after 2,094 days,” capturing the immense relief and hope that swept the nation.
Eighty years on, the mood is equally poignant yet reflective, as Wales and the wider world remember not just victory, but also loss and the steadfastness of communities under unimaginable strain. The First Minister’s words during the service made it clear that remembrance is an obligation, even as the wartime generation recedes into history. “As the number of living veterans decreases, it becomes ever more important that we keep their stories alive and pass them to future generations,” Ms Morgan insisted.
The service not only honoured those who served on the battlefield, but also acknowledged the many Welsh civilians who contributed to the war effort at home—from factory workers to codebreakers and nurses. Their sacrifices, often unsung, played a crucial role in supporting the troops and maintaining morale on the home front.
Across Wales, VE Day continues to be marked by community events, school projects, and family stories handed down through generations. The commemorations serve as both a tribute to the past and a call to educate future generations about the values of resilience, unity, and peace.
As Cardiff’s Llandaff Cathedral fell silent in collective contemplation, the messages of gratitude and remembrance echoed far beyond its walls. The service concluded with a renewed call for communities to not only remember history but to learn from it, ensuring that the enduring legacy of the peace hard-won in 1945 remains alive for years to come.