VE Day Commemorated at Fort Bedford

18 May 2015

Press Release

Youth groups from across the island led celebrations at Fort Bedford on the evening of Friday 8 May as a beacon was lit to commemorate the 70th anniversary of VE Day.

The Ascension Island community joined with people across Europe to remember the great sacrifice made by so many during World War II and the end of hostilities in Europe on 8 May 1945. 580,406 UK and Commonwealth forces and 67,073 UK civilians lost their lives during six long years of conflict.

Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR Pageantmaster of the VE Day 70th Anniversary Beacons said: "We must not let this day pass without reflecting on the sacrifice, courage and determination of the people who saw us through this dark period."

Ascension's beacon was one of over two hundred beacons lit throughout the United Kingdom and its Oversea Territories on Friday evening. Her Majesty the Queen lit the Principal and first beacon outside Windsor Castle. Across the UK, veterans from WWII attended local beacon-lighting events, hosted by local authorities. In the north of England, a beacon was lit beneath the world-famous Blackpool Tower, illuminating the tower with a flame effect that will be kept lit throughout the weekend.