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A large white letter V with the number 80 in the invert on a red background

We are paying tribute to the Second World War generation from across the United Kingdom (UK) and Commonwealth on the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

Marking the event 

On Thursday 8 May, in common with many across the UK, our University community will mark 80 years since the Second World War came to an end in Europe.  

We remember the millions of people who lost their lives in the line of duty and their families.  

Senior representatives from the University will attend the special evensong service to be held by Durham Cathedral. This service will be followed by bell-ringing as part of the National Ring Out in Celebration event from 6.30pm.  

Supporting Armed Forces colleagues  

We are proud of our long history of association with the Armed Forces and we hold an award from the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Awards Scheme (ERS). The Scheme acknowledges employers who have provided exceptional support to the Armed Forces community by going above and beyond their covenant pledges. 

As part of the pledge, we agreed to ensure those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve. 

We have approximately 200 staff who are either Veterans, Reservists, Officer Cadets, members of the Universities Military Education Committee or volunteer for a Service charity. 

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