The Newark Advertiser heard people’s opinions on why VE Day should continue to be remembered.

As millions of people across Europe marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we heard people’s thoughts on the importance of remembering the date.

On May 8, Victory in Europe Day is celebrated across the continent, marking the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Germany’s surrender of its armed forces in 1945.

This year marked its 80th anniversary, and year after year, more people who have memories and tales of the day leave this world, and with them, the stories of the time.

The day remembers all of those who gave their lives during World War II and who fought bravely for the freedom of their country.

But the real question is — is it important to continue to remember those people and celebrate the date?

Bill Davidson said: “When we were growing up, it was recent history and our relations were constantly talking about so and so did what at the war.

“We got bored with it and looked for something else to think about, but now that they have gone and we are their age, we can remember the stories they were telling and the people they were referring to.

“History becomes more interesting as you grow older.”

His wife, Jane Davidson, whose father fought in the Far East, said: “I think that these were such young people and it was their life.

“We should never ever forget what they gave for us, both of our fathers were there.

“They gave up on their lives for these young people to have the freedom that we have now, and I know the world is in a state, but they gave up on their freedom and saw horrors which never left them as they grew older.”

The couple’s son, Phil Davidson, grew up listening to the stories of the war and his relatives and the way they made a difference.

He said: “My brother and I grew up following my dad around with the airforce so there was always in me to go and do that.

“Talking to our grandmas and grandads, we knew a little bit about what they had done, and it sort of inspired me to do what they had done.

“To go up against those people who wanted to come and take away our choices and freedom, they did that and I wanted to be like that as well.”

Dave Ellis said it was important to continue to remember so people don’t make the same mistakes again, and to bear in mind what the young men at the time gave their lives for.

He added, “Unfortunately, I don’t think we have learned, but hopefully I am wrong.”

Christina Weir, whose father was stationed at the Isle of Wight during the war, said: “Everybody sacrificed their lives to save our country.

“At home, I have my auntie’s gas mask that she had to carry when she was 14, and now my grandson asks me to take it to school for the celebrations.”

Her partner, Alistair Weir, whose mom came as a refugee from Hungary to England just after the war, said: “It is important to remember the past and history.

“My dad was in Scotland in the dad’s army group, so I grew up hearing his memories.”

The general view of the people we spoke to was that VE Day is an important day that carries a lot of history and memories.

Despite being a day of celebration of freedom, a lot of people take a step back to remember those who died at the time.

Peter Waring said: “People gave a lot of things including their lives to make sure we weren’t taken over by Nazi Germnay and we should carry on and remember it.

His wife, Susan Waring, added: “We should always think about the awfulness of war and the great loss it causes to everyone.

“These things should be remembered and possibly avoided.”

Despite the celebrations that took place across the area yesterday and will continue over the weekend, not everyone agrees that the date should be commemorated as it is.

Liz McKendrick said, “We seem to have so many anniversaries that it just doesn’t make sense to me.

“We've just been to Tuxford and they are having a celebration that nearly looks like Remembrance, and it looks like people are confused.

“I thought VE Day was about celebrations and having street parties, but everyone seems to be dressed in black and wearing poppies.”