The Lieutenancy is keen to support the churches of the Diocese who are marking VE Day on the 8th May or following Sunday 11th May.
There are more than fifty Deputy Lieutenants throughout the county who would be glad to receive an invitation to attend your service.
To help with this contact Mary Rudd DL maryrudd101@gmail.com or by phone on 07831 719573.
Content below from the Church of England website
Resources to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) on 8th May 2025.
On 8 May 2025, we’re marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE Day), when the nation will unite to remember the end of the Second World War in Europe. Around the country, events will be taking place to pay tribute to those involved in that conflict, as well as reminding us to pray and work for peace in our communities and in the world.
Government’s dedicated website: VE Day and VJ Day 80
VE Day and VJ Day 80
You can find out more about the commemorations taking place for both the anniversary of VE Day and also the 80th anniversary of VJ Day on 15 August 2025
Find an event near you
Activities and events – VE Day and VJ Day 80
Toolkit
download your own brand resources including bunting templates, activity sheets and logos
Toolkit – VE Day and VJ Day 80
How your church can take part
On VE Day, churches sounded their bells to signify the end of the war. This year on 8 May at 6:30pm, you can join churches and cathedrals around the nation as they let their bells ring out – an opportunity to reflect and give thanks for the peace that so many sacrificed their lives for during the Second World War.
Hold a special service to commemorate the day. An outline to help you plan this is here: an outline service for the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Light a candle online to remember loved ones who fought in the war.
CPO publications and resources A collection of resources to help commemorate the 80th anniversary of World War II events this year, including VE Day 80 on May 8th! The core resource, created by HOPE Together, is the Gospel of John: WWII Commemorative Edition—a pocket-sized A6 booklet featuring four incredible true stories of faith and courage during World War II, along with the full Gospel of John.
Prayers
For those who served and died in the Second World War
O God of truth and justice,
we hold before you those men and women
who have died in active service, particularly in the Second World War,
whose sacrifice brought Victory in Europe.
As we honour their courage and cherish their memory,
may we put our faith in your future;
for you are the source of life and hope,
now and for ever.
Amen.
For those who serve today
O Lord God of Hosts,
stretch forth, we pray, your almighty arm
to strengthen and protect our service men and women.
Support them in times of conflict,
and in their rest and training keep them safe from all evil;
endue them with courage and loyalty;
and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
For the peace of the world
O God, who would fold both heaven and earth
in a single peace;
that the design of your great love lighten
upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows
and give peace to your church, peace among nations,
peace in our dwellings and peace in our hearts;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.