Leigh veterans on the importance of VE Day 80

Ahead of the national VE Day commemorations, work experience student Sophie Loynds interviewed two of our amazing veterans who attend Compassion in Action’s weekly Veterans’ Brunch, and wrote the following article…

By Sophie Loynds

VE Day marks the end of the Second World War on 7 May 1945. This was a momentous occasion, as the trials and tribulations of war had finally ceased as Germany signed an unconditional surrender – meaning that no more conflict within Europe would occur. VE Day was then celebrated the following day, with people across all nations partaking in street parties, dancing and singing – allowing joy to be spread after the misery of war.

On 8 May 2025, it will mark 80 years since the first celebration of VE Day, which has allowed us to be free of widespread war throughout Europe and America involving multiple nations at once. Due to the decades that have passed, it has meant that we are, unfortunately, slowly losing first-hand accounts of the Second World War. Instead, we must now rely on the stories that have been told to the younger generations of people who may have had relatives who participated within the war.

Compassion in Action run a Veterans’ Brunch every Thursday and have done so for the past nine years. These brunches allow local veterans to find companionship and access support, if needed, from the Royal British Legion (RBL).

On 1 May 2025, I was able to interview two veterans who shared some insight into the significance of VE Day and the importance of the celebration nationwide.

Graham Coates and Keith Stott (picture by Sophie Loynds)

Graham Coates is currently 75 years of age and was originally from Durham, but now resides in Leigh. Graham is a veteran who used to serve in the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a caseworker for 22 years. He partook in conflicts such as The Troubles in Northern Ireland, but cannot provide further details about his service due to confidentiality.

Graham strongly emphasised that: “…even though VE Day is a time of celebration, we must also remember the sacrifices that were made by the soldiers, as we would be unable to have the lives we have today without them.”  Exploring the full meaning of VE Day, he said: “Families could see what coming to the end of war was like – allowing them to breathe a sigh of relief. However, this might not have been the case for everyone, as the war within Japan continued to cause strife for many families who lived in worry for what the outcome would be for their husbands, fathers and sons who were Prisoners of War or still fighting.”

Graham explained that, within the war, there were ‘Bevin Boys’ – a scheme initiated by Ernest Bevin. The ‘Boys’ were made to fill the mining jobs to tackle the drop in coal production, which were left unoccupied due to the soldiers being deployed for war. “My uncle was one of these ‘Bevin Boys’ and he was sent to the coal mines despite having had no previous experience there,” Graham revealed. “This was a common experience especially within the North East, where many mines were located. My father-in-law was forced to participate in National Service but was able to escape the violence as he served as a Guard in Manchester instead.”

Graham himself avoided National Service, as it had ended before he voluntarily joined the RAF in 1968. He elaborated that: “…the difference between being able to volunteer or being forced to join due to National Service meant that I had more knowledge about what to expect in the Armed Services. It also granted me a choice of what sector I wished to join.”

On VE Day, to celebrate our soldiers’ dedication to the country and their sacrifices on all fronts, Graham shared his plans: “I will go to the local Cenotaph and place a wreath on it whilst being dressed in uniform and wearing medals. I will also attend a formal parade in which many other veterans will come together and pay their respects to the fallen soldiers.”

After this, Graham intends to join his fellow veterans at Compassion in Action for a special meal to commemorate VE Day. This will allow for a more celebratory atmosphere to be experienced. Concluding his reflections on VE Day, Graham provided a final message: “Celebrate it, but respect the people who took part” – summarising what he believes the true spirit of VE Day is about.

Keith Stott, aged 65, from Westleigh, is part of the RBL and has been since 2005. Keith emphasised: “VE Day is an extremely important celebration, as it allows us to remember the Victory in Europe that occurred 80 years ago, but it is still incredibly important to acknowledge that this was not a victory everywhere, such as in Japan.”

Keith recalled a story about another veteran, Ron, whose father, Tom Boardman, was a Prisoner of War within Japan during this time: “Tom was unable to celebrate VE Day in 1945 as he was still captured, but during this time he displayed miraculous courage, such as ensuring that his ring was not taken from him through continuing to hide it within a bar of soap. In fact, within the Imperial War Museum, there is a banjo displayed which was made by Tom during the war and will be featured in a novel which is currently being written.”

Tom’s story highlights the importance of remembering those who were unable to celebrate and experience freedom, and remembering how – even though war was declared over within Europe – that was not the case elsewhere in the world.

VE Day to Keith is: “…becoming more popular amongst younger children, as they seem to possess a greater interest in wars and what historical conflicts have occurred. So now VE Day proceeds to serve as a reminder to pay respect to the other soldiers who have fought in various wars, as well as those who fought in the Second World War.”

This interest in previous wars that is apparent within children also works positively, as it will likely ensure that the service of soldiers within the Second World War will be remembered as the number of veterans remaining is gradually depleting due to their old age.

Keith warned that: “On VE Day, people should be cautious about the risk of buying from fake sellers of the RBL’s poppies. They need to ensure that they have the copyrighted two petals, otherwise no profit will actually go to the Royal British Legion.”

He then discussed how: “…people should also be mindful of those who are still serving, as they continue to help the country defend against other conflicts and are unable to attend these celebrations themselves, as they cannot take a day off.”

Adding to Graham’s reflections, Keith declared: “Celebrate VE Day by all means and remember those who took part; it is a celebration and a day that should be marked.”

A special military-themed event will take place in Mesnes Park, Wigan on 10 May featuring musical performances from 11am-4pm. Look for other local community activities on the Wigan Council website, social media or on the local events directory, which will allow you to be able to celebrate this momentous occasion of the 80th VE Day!

Sophie Loynds is pictured at Lowton Community Outlet