MP attends beacon lighting to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day

8 May 2025

Victoria Collins, MP for Harpenden & Berkhamsted, joined local residents, veterans and their families, representatives from Berkhamsted Town Council and Royal British Legion (RBL) members, to light a beacon marking the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day.

At the event, Victoria joined the local community at Rectory Lane Cemetery to witness the lighting of a beacon to commemorate this historic day, marking the anniversary of the start of the end of the Second World War.

The event coincided with thousands of beacon lightings across the country, as part of the many nationwide events organised by VE 80 and its Pageantmaster, Bruno Peek CVO OBE OPR. 

These beacons signify the “light of peace” and provide a poignant moment of celebration and reflection, to remember lives lost and reflect on the continued importance and value of community both locally, and nationwide.

Victoria said:

“It was a privilege to attend the beacon lighting marking this historic 80th anniversary of VE Day and providing a special moment for our local community to celebrate the beginning of peace, whilst reflecting on the huge sacrifices made throughout the Second World War.

“Events like this are a brilliant reminder of the power of uniting communities and the importance of bringing us together to reflect, not just locally but across the country.

“A huge thank you to everybody involved in organising this memorable and moving event.”