VE Day 80 - Do it for veterans
Celebrate and commemorate 80 years of freedom.
At 3pm on 8 May, 1945, Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced to the nation that Germany had surrendered and the Second World War in Europe was over.
80 years on we are calling on our supporters to join us in celebrating the freedom Victory in Europe gave us, while raising vital funds for the very veterans – and all those who have followed – who battled for our freedom. It’s our turn to give them the freedom to lead the independent and dignified lives they deserve and achieve their own victory over sight loss.
VE Day remembered
Across the country, street parties, dancing and festivities took place as people rejoiced in the news they had been waiting and hoping for. Our veterans have shared their recollections of their own celebrations.
Janet was just seven-years-old but remembers the atmosphere, the dancing, and the street parties.
Peggy, then 23, chose a more sedate but no less meaningful form of celebration, spending the day with her husband, reflecting on their experiences serving in the war before enjoying a walk together.
Evelyn, who sadly is no longer with us, described VE Day as one of the finest days of her life.
“We danced, cheered, waved, laughed, cried, and sang our hearts out, between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square – hugging and being hugged, kissing and being kissed over and over again.
Read more of their recollections and experiences of VE Day and discover how your support gives veterans battling sight loss sight continued cause for celebration.
Commemorate and celebrate with us!
Take inspiration from blind veterans who remember the atmosphere of VE Day or get creative with the number 80.
Choose from the following ideas or tell us about your own.
Brew Up some community spirit
Recreate the atmosphere Janet so fondly recalls with a Brew Up party in your community, work place or class room. Create opportunities for fun, laughter and make memories with added elements such as a 1940's Dress Up or Second World War themed Swot Up Quiz.
Follow in Peggy's footsteps and enjoy the great outdoors. Plan a sponsored walk with family, friends or colleagues to or from your local war memorial. Finish off at a location where you can raise a glass or two to celebrate 80 years of freedom!
Get creative with 80
Bake and sell 80 cakes. Walk, run or cycle 80k during May. Swim 80 lengths of your local pool. Hop, skip or jump a combined 80 laps of your playground. Do 80 good deeds in exchange for donations. Got an annoying habit you've been meaning to kick? Give It Up for 80 days starting in May.
Embrace freedom!
Take on a challenge in May - or make it the month you decide to embrace your own freedom and commit to something you've never done before! Whether you're looking for a marathon place, a skydive or for excitement overseas or closer to home - let us help you find the perfect challenge.
Become a military sight loss champion
We are launching a new scheme and are looking for proactive Service personnel and Cadet Forces to become our 'military sight loss champions' and make a real difference to the lives of vision-impaired veterans.
More ways to get involved
Resolutions Challenge
Now is the time to make a change or try something new while making a difference to blind veterans.
Armed Forces Month
Commemorate and celebrate our forces during June while raising vital funds to support our veterans.
Gift a wreath
Gift a wreath so that blind veterans can be a part of Remembrance in their own communities.
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