Join UDSS in Supporting VE Day 80 and Honouring Our Veterans

This year, the United Kingdom and our allies will commemorate a powerful milestone: 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE Day), marking the end of the Second World War in Europe.

At Universal Defence & Security Solutions (UDSS), we are proud to show our support for this important commemoration and to help share the stories, values, and sacrifices of the Second World War generation.

UDSS and VE Day 80

UDSS is deeply engaged in national efforts to mark this historic moment:

• Peter Hewitt, UDSS Co-Chairman, is one of the organisers behind VE Day 80 activities, including the special Evensong Service at St Paul’s Cathedral and the blessing of the lamp, a ceremonial moment in which Peter’s own grandson will take part as one of the lamp holders.
  
  
• Duncan Potts CB, representing naval veterans, will be attending the National Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey on 8 May. Duncan serves as the National President and Chair of Trustees of the Royal Naval Association, ensuring that the Royal Navy’s contributions are front and centre during these national commemorations.

This involvement reflects UDSS' commitment to honouring our veterans, supporting national remembrance, and helping ensure that the sacrifices of the past are not forgotten.

Why VE Day 80 Matters

VE Day 80 is an opportunity to reflect on 80 years of peace built on unimaginable sacrifice.

It is one of the last chances we have to hear directly from the men and women who lived through that time. The stories of courage, resilience, and community spirit remain vital lessons for generations today and tomorrow.

As a nation and as businesses, we owe it to them not just to remember but to act — to share their stories, connect communities, and live by the values they fought to protect.

How Businesses Can Get Involved

The VE Day 80 Business Pack highlights multiple ways organisations of all sizes can participate:

• Tell your story: Share any historical connections your business has to the Second World War, veterans, or your local community.
  
  
• Use the VE Day 80 branding: Apply logos and graphics across your website, offices, newsletters, and products.
  
  
• Host a street-party-style office event: Celebrate with colleagues and honour veterans’ stories.
  
  
• Support national and local events: Help promote VE Day and VJ Day activities on social media (#VE80, #VJ80, #Victory80) and participate in local commemorations.
  
  
• Light up landmarks: Businesses are encouraged to light up buildings in red, white, and blue from 6 - 8 May at 9 PM, symbolising unity and remembrance.

Full resources, including branding materials and event information, are available at ve-vjday80.gov.uk.

Continuing the Legacy

At UDSS, we believe that supporting VE Day 80 is about shaping the future. By remembering and sharing powerful stories from WWII, we help ensure that the lessons of courage, sacrifice, and unity endure.

We invite all our partners, stakeholders, and friends to join us in commemorating VE Day 80 and to play their part in ensuring this remarkable legacy continues to inspire.