On 8 May 1945, the guns fell silent across Europe as the Allied forces celebrated the long-awaited end of World War II in Europe. 80 years on, VE Day remains a powerful symbol of courage, sacrifice and unity.

Across the UK, communities came together to mark this historic anniversary with commemorations large and small — from beacon lightings and bell-ringing to afternoon teas and musical tributes.

At Millbank, we joined in by marking the day with a simple but meaningful gesture: a selection of traditional cakes in the office — scones, Victoria sponge and carrot cake. It was a small act of recognition that sparked some interesting conversations.

As the team gathered, it became clear that VE Day resonates differently across generations. For some, it carries a strong personal connection — stories handed down from grandparents or seen in cherished black-and-white photos. For others, particularly younger colleagues, it’s something learned in school or seen on screen, without the same emotional weight.

What stood out most was the way this anniversary opened up space for those conversations to happen. It was a reminder that history isn’t just something we look back on — it shapes how we see the world, how we connect with each other, and how we carry forward the values of resilience, unity and peace.

Moments like this remind us that remembrance doesn’t require grand gestures — sometimes, it’s a shared memory over coffee, or a quiet conversation between colleagues. It’s through these simple acts that we carry forward the legacy of those who came before us.