To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day this year, the RAF Benevolent Fund spoke to members of the RAF Family about what it means to commemorate this milestone day in history.
RAF veteran and Fund Ambassador David Rose served in the RAF as an engineer for 31 years before being medically discharged in 2018.
David spoke about what VE Day means to him, saying:
“It is important that we commemorate VE Day to celebrate the freedom we enjoy today that was made possible by everyone that contributed to the defeat of evil and we should never take this freedom for granted.
“I think about those that served in the Second World War – those that gave their lives, became injured and the families that endured the hardships.
David shared a message for those who serve in the RAF today, saying: “I sincerely thank our current serving personnel for stepping up and working so hard in difficult circumstances, so that the nation can continue to enjoy the freedoms our forefathers won.”
Jessica Purchase is an attendee of the Fund’s Airplay youth club at RAF Henlow. Jessica helps to improve and evolve the programme of activities at the Fund’s yearly Airplay Youth Forum.
Jessica shared her thoughts on VE Day:
“VE day 80 is an amazing day to celebrate and highlight the inspirational determination and work of the military during the Second World War. It is so important that we celebrate their hard work, so it is not forgotten.”
Former RAF Wing Commander Gavin Davey, Area Director for Scotland, Northeast England and Northern Ireland, at the Fund, shared his tribute for VE Day, saying:
“As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we recall with enormous gratitude the sacrifices that were made by so many during the Second World War, by military personnel, civilians and families alike. We honour those who gave their lives and thank those who walk among us today, for their enduring legacy.
“The RAF Benevolent Fund remains there for serving and former serving RAF personnel, the bereaved and their families today as we were in 1945. We want to encourage members of the RAF Family who may require financial, practical or emotional assistance to reach out to us, whenever they need us.”
AR Demi Green serves as a driver at RAF Halton. She said:
“VE Day holds a deeply personal and profound meaning for me. Even before joining the RAF, I felt a strong sense of gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who fought for peace in Europe, but now, as a serving member of the military alongside my husband, that respect has only grown stronger.
“VE Day is a powerful reminder of the courage, resilience, and unity shown by those who came before us. Wearing the uniform today, I feel an even greater sense of honour and responsibility to uphold their legacy – to serve with the same dedication, and to remember those who gave so much for the freedoms we enjoy.”
Flight Sergeant Gary Hickie based at RAF Waddington volunteers for the Fund with various activities on Station.
In 2024, Gary helped to recruit fellow personnel at RAF Cranwell and RAF Coningsby to become Fund Station Champions; he has helped with bucket collections; assisted at the RAF Coningsby Colour Run and supported with the Fund veteran’s Christmas dinner at RAF Waddington.
Gary shared what VE Day means to him:
“It can be too easy to take for granted our way of life and the decades of peace we have had in the UK. VE Day gives us all an opportunity to honour our living Second World War veterans (of which there are now so few) who bravely fought for our freedom and our democracy.
“With conflict ongoing around the world, it is an honour to be serving in the Royal Air Force and to wear the uniform. This was only made possible by those brave persons who fought in the Second World War in defiance of great odds, who we will always remember.”
