Sixty-five years ago today six years of war in Europe came to an end. Hitler had committed suicide in his bunker eight days previously, finally convinced that Germany was not going to dominate the world and Germany surrendered unconditionally to the Allies.
There was a service of commemoration at the Cenotaph today attended by veterans, military chiefs, serving troops, politicians and Royalty. They paid tribute to more than 580,000 allied forces and 67,000 UK citizens who died during the war. Many more suffered for years afterwards from their injuries and experiences.
The 200 remaining veterans who attended are in their late 80s and 90s and for some this will have been their last major anniversary. Those who were interviewed were happy to recount their memories of 8th May 1945. They thought it was marvellous to be able to attend this ceremony.
At the same time there was a homecoming parade in Edinburgh for 650 troops from B Company of the 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland and 3 Battalion The Rifles returning from a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan. When will we ever learn?
The video clip is from the Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph in 2008.
