After long years of absence of freedom Pilsen celebrated its 45th Anniversary of the liberation by the US Army in 1990 with the participation of the president Václav Havel and the US Ambassador in Prague Shirley Temple Black. Together with the living history clubs, the City of Pilsen preserves the tradition of celebrating the liberation, that is why the first days in May belong to the Liberation Festival. For this event, visitors from all around the world come to celebrate - with the citizens, American veterans, their family relative at present respectively – the freedom. Traditional parts of the celebrations are commemorative acts at the memorials of the American units participating in the liberation of the city, the unique display of vintage military vehicles Convoy of Liberty and the presentation of the living history clubs offering impressive interpretation of history with the period equipment and gear held on a year basis. The military history program is enhanced by culture show intended for the broad public with the participation of Czech and foreign performers.The Liberation Festival is unforgettable experience with its unique atmosphere remembering the contribution of the US Army to the liberation of Europe.

Czech Republic

Liberation Festival Pilsen - the liberation by the US Army

The 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day will be marked this year with a series of events and celebrations that will share stories of the Second World War generation.&nbsp;Victory in Europe (VE Day), which takes place on 8 May, marks the Allied victory in Europe. The news resulted in millions celebrating the end of the war, with street parties, dancing and singing across the country. The war in the Far East did not end until 15 August 1945 with VJ Day (Victory Over Japan).The commemorations will pay tribute to the millions of people across the UK and Commonwealth who served in the Second World War, telling the stories of those who fought, the children who were evacuated, and those who stepped into the essential roles on the Home Front.The early May Bank Holiday will see the beginning of the events to mark VE and VJ Day 80 with events planned including a Military procession and flypast of current and historic military aircraft, the return of the poppies to the Tower of London and a nationwide call for families to delve into their lofts and discover their own Second World War stories:<h3 style="text-align: start">Monday 5 May:</h3><ul><li>To ensure the commemorations act as a point of remembrance of the millions who lost their lives in the conflict as well as a celebration of peace, the commemorations will begin in Whitehall. The Cenotaph, the nation’s focal point of remembrance, will be dressed in Union Flags for the duration of the four day commemorations, echoing the 1920 unveiling of the monument to the fallen. From Monday 5 May, it will provide a focal point for the commemorations and a place to pay silent tribute to all those who died, both at home and abroad, during the Second World War.</li><li>To honour and remember those who fell during the Second World War, there will be a Military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace followed by a flypast of current and historic military aircraft including the famous Red Arrows.</li><li>The VE Day 80 commemorations will continue with a street party on HMS Belfast. HMS Belfast fired some of the opening shots on D Day in 1944 and protected Arctic convoys during the Second World War and is the most significant surviving Second World War warship.</li><li>Street parties, barbecues and community get togethers, supported by ideas and inspiration from The Together Coalition and The Big Lunch, will be held by communities across the country, echoing the celebrations 80 years ago as the population welcomed the end of the war.</li></ul>

United Kingdom

Cenotaph draped in Union Flags, Westminster Abbey service, concert and Flypast among plans unveiled to mark VE Day 80

In Jersey, Liberation Day (Jèrriais: Jour d'la Libéthâtion) is celebrated each year on 9 May, to mark the end of the Nazi German Occupation during the Second World War. It is celebrated as Jersey's national day and 2025 marks 80 years of liberation.The Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles to be occupied during the War, and the conquest of them was viewed by the German occupying forces as a stepping-stone to the full invasion of the rest of Britain.There continues to be a strong desire to keep the memory of Liberation Day alive – to remember those who were killed and those who survived, as well as to recognise the impact Occupation and Liberation has had on Jersey’s present-day community and identity. Importantly, Liberation Day also serves to remind us of our commitment to freedom, peace and inclusivity in our society.<h4>Events &amp; Experiences</h4><ul><li>Traditional festivities | Join us for a historic celebration, where pride and remembrance take center stage. Liberation Square will be the setting for a special States Assembly ahead of a powerful reenactment of Force 135's historic arrival and stirring performances of "Beautiful Jersey" and the National Anthem will uplift hearts, accompanied by the resonant sounds of the Band of the Island of Jersey and La Ronde Concert Band. The ceremonial events culminate with a grand march and motorcade, paving the way for family festivities at Weighbridge Place. Enjoy vibrant local entertainment, delicious refreshments, and a joyful celebration of freedom and unity.</li><li>Liberation Music Festival | To continue the festivities of the Liberation weekend, the Parish of St Helier will host a two-day music festival that will showcase local talent.</li><li>The Liberation Games | Jersey Sport will coordinate the Liberation Games, aimed at building a community spirit around Liberation 80. The games will consist of a variety of sports and activities that will bring together parishes to compete in a series of friendly and accessible games.</li><li>Jersey Week 5 – 9 | A Jersey-wide ‘open house’, encouraging organisations and businesses across the island to open their respective archives to show how both public and private organisations contribute to the Island, providing insight into the history, operation and position of each organisation in Jersey</li><li>Parish parties and activities | Each of the island's 12 parishes has declared that they will be holding different parties and events during the Liberation weekend. Understandably, Connétables will want to conduct their own events to ensure parishioners can also celebrate together away from the larger ‘national’ activities.</li><li>Jersey diaspora | For Jersey people in other countries wishing to take part in the Liberation celebrations, there will be a limited number of celebration packs made available to enable the decoration and theming of parties to be held in other jurisdictions with Jersey and Union flag bunting etc.</li></ul>More details on the momentous occasion will be released closer to the event.

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Liberation Festival Pilsen - the liberation by the US Army

Cenotaph draped in Union Flags, Westminster Abbey service, concert and Flypast among plans unveiled to mark VE Day 80

Liberation 80

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