08/05/2025
Honouring our Heroes – the end of World War II
2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. This bitter conflict, which cost the lives of over 50 million people, witnessed acts of heroism and community, service and sacrifice, as well as unspeakable acts of evil and hated.
VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, marked the official end of the war in the European theatre of conflict, which would be followed on 15 August with the surrender of Japan and the ultimate end of the war; VJ Day, or Victory over Japan. These were days of celebration, an opportunity for millions of people to embrace the news that the terrible war was over and they could once again hope for a better future.
All periods of warfare have a profound impact on society, and World War II was no exception. Countries, communities, and families, bore the physical, emotional and mental scars of a constant and prolonged effort to defeat the forces of darkness and evil. It would take time for such scars to heal and for many to embrace the hope that a World at peace could bring.
As in World War I, the Orange family answered the call to defend Liberty in their thousands, serving in all theatres of the war, many paying the ultimate sacrifice.
Throughout today we will be sharing special articles highlighting the contribution of Orangemen and women during World War II over on the Museum of Orange Heritage page. They are stories that speak to the very heroism and selflessness that lies at the heart of Orange involvement in society.
We thank those families, friends, and lodges who have supplied these stories and who continue to ensure that their service and sacrifice is not forgotten. They help make up the Orange Voices from World War II.
