VE Day, otherwise known as Victory in Europe Day, marks the end of World War II in Europe, with this year marking the 80th anniversary since VE Day on May 8, 1945.
For many this day signified the beginnings of peace across Europe and the end of the conflict.
The Royal Borough of Greenwich played a significant role in the war effort, with the likes of Woolwich Royal Arsenal who supplied ammunition to the military.
For Roy Williams, whose father served in the RAF as a tail gunner in Lancaster and who later served himself in the Royal Navy for nine years, he described the day as “important to remember the sacrifices made”.
Roy said: ”My father came home just after VE Day and that was the first time my mother saw him.
The 78-year-old said: “My grandfather, he talked about the war but he was in the First World War and he used to say ‘You don’t know what war is like.'”
“It’s good to remember the people that lost their lives to give us our freedom.”
The ceremony also marked the first time Kia, aged 26, bore a flag in her new role, who described the experience as “overwhelming”.
The 26-year-old said: “I’m overwhelmed, excited and just proud to be here.
“Days like this just create the awareness and it’s just a celebration as well of the lives for the country.”
Over in Abbey Wood, a further memorial service took place at Abbey Wood Memorial Garden, which was founded by John O’Rourke in 2014 and holds numerous plaques to commemorate those who died in service from Abbey Wood.
But the garden is also set to get a new addition with a memorial plaque to mark the lives of the children who died during the conflict in Abbey Wood.
John O’Rourke, who was there in attendance to raise the flag, told crowds of one boy from Abbey Wood who died after a Zeppelin bomb hit during a raid in Southend.
In his speech he said: “He was a child, he didn’t ask to die when a bomber raid bombed the living daylights out of M&S on the high street.
“It’s important that we put these children on there along with others.”
John and his fellow board members are currently looking to raise £5,500 to erect two new memorial plaques, after a further 50 Abbey Wood service men and women who died were discovered.
Speaking on the importance, Richard Spink who served in the Royal Air Force described the celebrations as “incredibly important for future generations”.
Richard said: “it’s like they say, if we don’t remember then we’ll all forget. And they say that those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it.
“Sadly, we remember the past and we still repeat it, but at least we can do our bit and try.”
Celebrations in Greenwich borough are set to continue today concluding with a memorial service at St Alfege’s Church.
In a speech to the congregation, Mayor of Greenwich Councillor Jit Ranabhat said: “We pay our respects to this wartime generation.
“These veterans are now in their 90s or even older. Commemorating an event that took place when many were still only teenagers.
“As we remember the many soldiers, sailors, airmen and more who gave their lives restraining evil.
“So we are also in thanks for those who continue to strive for peace. So many millions paid the ultimate price.”
