Crowds attend VE Day commemorations in Wolverhampton
War heroes who sacrificed their lives on the Home Front have been commemorated in Wolverhampton today.
Veterans led the special remembrance service, held to mark the anniversary of VE Day.
Residents and Wolverhampton council staff joined with former armed forces personnel to celebrate more than seven decades since war victory in Europe was announced.
The central branch of Wolverhampton's Royal British Legion and the Ex-Service Council held the service of remembrance.
Pat Johnson, chairwoman of the branch, said: "The end of the Second World War in Europe was a momentous occasion which is rightly commemorated every year.
“VE Day is an opportunity for the nation to remember the courage and bravery of millions of men and women who served – and in many cases sadly died – for their country in the Second World War and in other conflicts.
“These men and women helped our country at its times of greatest need, both abroad and on the Home Front.
“[We hope people] remember the sacrifices shown by countless Wulfrunians who served for their country in one way or another."
Onlookers surrounded the Cenotaph in St Peter's Square to remember the countless Wulfrunians who put their lives on the line during the Second World War.
The service began with a parade of standards and veterans to the Cenotaph at 11.30am.
It was followed by prayers before the Last Post echoed across the square.
Community leaders including the Deputy Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Phil Page, as well as the Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands Major Sylvia Parkin MBE JP DL.
Representatives from the University of Wolverhampton also joined the service, laying wreaths in remembrance at the Cenotaph.
The service marked the 73rd anniversary of VE Day, commemorating the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allies on May 8, 1945.
VE Day brought to an end six years of suffering and courage across the globe and the celebrated the defeat of Adolf Hitler's reign.
Wolverhampton's service was one of a series of remembrance events set to take place across the city throughout the year.
Other events will include a programme of activities to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War on November 11, 1918.
Wolverhampton council and RAF Cosford have also both signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant, pledging to support the ex-servicemen and women.
