Most Brits back bank holiday to mark 80th anniversary of the end of WWII
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An overwhelming number of British people would back there being a bank holiday to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in 2025. As many as 73% backed having a special day, whilst just 13% were opposed to a day marking the end of global hostilities and peace at last. But most Brits also agreed that younger generations in the UK did not know enough about the sacrifices made during the war that paved the way for life today.
They were asked “do you believe that younger generations know enough, too little or too much about the sacrifices made by their predecessors during WWII?” 66% of those questioned said they thought young people were not as aware as they should of what British people did in WWII to keep us free.
And just 20% believed the younger generation knows the right amount about the suffering and sacrifice British people endured during the war. And VJ day - or Victory over Japan Day, marks the end of World War II, when President Harry Truman declared hostilities were over on August 14 1945, sparking worldwide celebrations.
Our survey results show that most people would like an extra day off work to mark the 80th Victory in Europe (VE) Day or Victory over Japan (VJ) Day in 2025. VE Day marks the end of war in Europe, which was declared by the US and Great Britain with the unconditional surrender of Hitler’s successor Admiral Karl Donitz on May 8 1945.
World War II was the deadliest conflict the world has ever known. As many as 80 million people are believed to have been killed in World War II, among them 25 million military personnel killed, whilst 55 million civilians are thought to have died. The 80th anniversary of both days next year will be the last significant milestone that surviving WW2 veterans will be able to take part in themselves.
