This week, we marked a defining moment in our island story: the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. On 8th May 1945, Britain and her Allies triumphed over tyranny and the long shadow of war began to lift. For millions, it was a day of jubilation. For countless more, it was tinged with the sorrow of loss. However, above all, it was a testament to the resolve, unity, and sacrifice of a generation that refused to yield.
As someone who has had the honour of wearing uniform and taking the late Queen’s shilling, I have always felt a deep sense of connection to those who came before us in service. The spirit of duty, camaraderie, and quiet courage that defined the wartime generation is the same spirit I witnessed among my comrades in today’s Armed Forces. It is not rooted in glory, but in service: to our Monarch, to our country, and to one another.
Eighty years on from that historic day, the lessons of VE Day remain strikingly relevant. We remember not just the victory, but the values that made it possible: liberty over oppression, unity over division, and the unwavering belief that Britain, when it stands together, can overcome any threat.
Here in Solihull West & Shirley we see those values reflected in our own community. They are lived out by our veterans, by those currently serving, and by the countless families who have given so much in support of our nation’s defence. They remind us that patriotism is not a relic of the past; it is a living, breathing force for good.
As a parliamentarian and a former serviceman, I believe we carry a solemn responsibility to uphold the legacy of the wartime generation. That means standing firm on our commitment to defence and ensuring our Armed Forces have the tools and support they need. It means educating our children not just about what happened in 1945, but why it mattered – and still does.
Above all else, it means embodying the same resilience and unity our forebears showed. In an era of global uncertainty and growing geopolitical challenges, Britain must again be a beacon of freedom, a steadfast ally, and a confident voice on the world stage.
So, as we mark this 80th anniversary, whether at memorial services, in our schools, or through quiet moments of reflection, let us not only look back with gratitude, but forward with purpose. Let us honour those who gave so much, by building a Britain worthy of their sacrifice.
Their fight was for our freedom. Our duty is to preserve it.
