World War II veteran Thomas Begay, a Navajo Code Talker, salutes the crowd on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at a ceremony in Washington to mark the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory and end of World War II in Europe. Begay, who was born in 1927 near Two Wells, N.M., served in the 5th Signal Company, 5th Marine Division, 27th Marine Regiment of the 5th Marine Division from September 1943 to July 1946. Friends of the National World War II Memorial and the National Park Service hosted the special V-E Day event at the National World War II Memorial. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
WASHINGTON — Marking 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe, dozens gathered Thursday at the National World War II Memorial to commemorate Victory in Europe Day with a solemn ceremony honoring the sacrifice of Allied forces and the legacy of the “Greatest Generation.”
Five World War II veterans were among those recognized during the event, which featured remarks by officials, a wreath-laying, and musical tributes by the U.S. Army Brass Quintet and a bugler performing taps.
“Today, we honor 80 years since victory in Europe, 80 years since guns fell silent across the battlefields of a Continent ravaged by war,” Chaplain Lt. Brandon Green said during the invocation. “We honor the men and women who gave their strength, their grit, and their all so that future generations might inherit peace and freedom.”
Kevin Griess, superintendent for the National Mall and Memorial Parks, center, leads World War II veterans Thomas Begay and Dixon Hemphill and their chaperones on Thursday, May 8, 2025, to lay wreaths at the World War II Memorial in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
The Armed Forces Color Guard on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the National World War II Memorial in Washington. Friends of the National World War II Memorial and the National Park Service commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Allied forces victory and end of World War II in Europe with a V-E Day event. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
World War II veterans Dixon Hemphill, center, and Thomas Begay lay wreaths during a V-E Day event on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the World War II Memorial. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
An attendee at a V-E Day event in Washington on Thursday, May 8, 2025, holds up a framed photograph of a WWII-era bomber crew. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
World War II veterans Thomas Begay, left, and Harry Miller greet people on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the World War II Memorial during a V-E Day event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Allied forces victory and end of World War II in Europe. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Kevin Griess, superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, addresses attendees on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at a V-E Day ceremony at the National World War II Memorial in Washington. “[WWII veterans’] courage and sacrifice helped us shape the course of history and the security and freedom that we cherish today,” he said. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Kevin Griess, superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, reflected on the historical importance of the Allied triumph in Europe.
“Their courage and sacrifice helped us shape the course of history and the security and freedom that we cherish today,” he said.
A recorded poem by Pro Football Hall of Fame coach and World War II veteran Marv Levy played over the loudspeakers, concluding with the stanza: “I’ll remember that time when we went off to war. And then returned to a world that was better than before. I’ll remember all those with whom I served. ‘The Greatest Generation’? A title deserved.”
After the speeches, the five veterans placed flowered wreaths on the west side of the memorial’s fountain, saluted during the playing of taps, and spoke with members of the public, including a large group of middle school students from Chelsea, Mich., who gathered to meet and thank them for their service.
