Northern Ireland Assembly honours 80th anniversary of VE Day with commemorative event

Northern Ireland Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots MLA in a Spitfire Mk2a replica aircraft at the Assembly’s VE Day Event.

The Northern Ireland Assembly marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a poignant commemorative event held in the Great Hall of Parliament Buildings on Tuesday, 6 May 2025.

Hosted by Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots MLA, the ceremony paid tribute to the sacrifices made during the Second World War and celebrated the historic milestone that signalled the end of the conflict in Europe.

The event featured a rich programme of reflections, readings, music, and historical insights, bringing together representatives from the Assembly, consulates, and the community to honour the occasion. It served as a reminder of the enduring importance of the freedoms secured through the Allied victory in 1945 and the need to pass these lessons on to future generations.

A Programme of Remembrance and Reflection

The commemorative programme included remarks from Speaker Edwin Poots, the Consul General of the United States of America, and the Consul General of Poland, highlighting the international significance of VE Day.

Pupils from Pond Park Primary School in Lisburn added a heartfelt touch with a performance of wartime songs, culminating in a moving rendition of Vera Lynn’s iconic “We’ll Meet Again” to close the event.

Pupils from Pond Park Primary School with a Spitfire Mk2a replica aircraft at the Northern Ireland Assembly’s VE Day Event

Historical context was provided by Michael Burns, Senior Researcher from the NI War Memorial, who shared memories of VE Day celebrations in Belfast.

Actors brought the past to life by delivering contemporary accounts from the NI War Memorial’s oral history collection, offering a vivid connection to the experiences of those who lived through the war. A moment of silence was observed, allowing attendees to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by service members and civilians alike.

Speaker Poots underscored the significance of the event, drawing parallels to the past.

“In 1945, the then Speaker of the Northern Ireland Parliament gathered Members in the Great Hall for a service of thanksgiving to mark VE Day,” he said. “I was therefore honoured to gather Members in the Great Hall today to mark the 80th anniversary to remember the sacrifices made during the Second World War and to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.”

Engaging Future Generations

A key focus of the event was ensuring that the lessons of the Second World War resonate with younger generations. The involvement of pupils from Pond Park Primary School was a deliberate choice to achieve this goal.

“It is particularly fitting that we involved the pupils of Pond Park Primary School, in this event, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to resonate with future generations,” Speaker Poots noted.

Their participation not only enriched the programme but also symbolised the importance of educating young people about the historical and moral significance of VE Day.

A Tangible Connection to History

Image: Paul Frew MLA

In addition to the ceremony, a special exhibition of Second World War and VE Day artefacts was displayed in the Senate Chamber and Senate Rotunda.

Curated by the War Memorial Museum NI, the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI), and the Linen Hall Library, the exhibition featured items that provided a tangible link to the events of 1945. From personal mementos to official records, the artefacts offered visitors a deeper understanding of Northern Ireland’s role in the war and the celebrations that followed the announcement of peace in Europe.

Speaker Poots praised the exhibition’s contribution to the commemoration.

“As well as this, the exhibition of artefacts from the War Memorial Museum, PRONI, and the Linen Hall Library gave us a valuable and tangible connection to this pivotal moment in our history,” he said.

The display served as a powerful reminder of the human stories behind the historical milestone and the collective effort that secured victory.

A Commitment to Remembrance

The event underscored the Assembly’s commitment to preserving the memory of the Second World War and its impact on Northern Ireland. Speaker Poots emphasised the ongoing relevance of the freedoms defended during the conflict.

“It is essential that we formally mark this occasion at the Assembly as the freedoms that were defended and protected then, remain important to this day,” he stated.

The Speaker also expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the event’s success.

“I want to thank all involved in ensuring that this critical moment from our past is not forgotten,” he added, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of the NI War Memorial, PRONI, the Linen Hall Library, Pond Park Primary School, and other participants.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

The 80th anniversary of VE Day provided an opportunity for reflection on the sacrifices and triumphs of the past while reinforcing the importance of unity and resilience in the present.

By hosting this commemorative event, the Northern Ireland Assembly not only honoured those who contributed to the Allied victory but also ensured that their legacy continues to inspire future generations.

As Northern Ireland looks ahead, the lessons of VE Day—courage, solidarity, and the value of peace—remain as relevant today as they were in 1945.