Revealed: Two-thirds of Gen Z adults are unaware of what VE Day marks
Two-thirds of Gen Z adults are totally unaware that VE Day marks the end of the Second World War, a new poll has found.
Ahead of commemorations on Friday, a survey carried out by the Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE) also found that just 63 per cent of non-Gen Z adults know what the occasion marks.
That number fell by almost half to 34 per cent among Gen Z adults in findings which display ‘a gap in public understanding of military service past and present’.
However the survey revealed that four in five adults think VE Day is an important part of British identity, and 79 per cent believe it helps younger generations understand history.
The poll of 2,052 adults also showed that a mere 23 per cent of the public think younger generations understand the experiences of veterans.
It comes as the RBVE launches its Still Serving campaign to mark the 81st anniversary of VE Day.
The portrait series of nine veterans shot by renowned British photographer Rankin acknowledges VE Day as ‘a powerful moment of national reflection’.
It features former infantry soldier Che Smitherman, in his 20s, veteran Holly Stroud, 18, John Ahben, 48, who served in the British Army for 12 years, and former Royal Marines Commando Paul Landamore, 40s.
To mark the 81st anniversary of VE Day, British photographer Rankin has shot portraits of nine veterans (Pictured is 100-year-old Percy Bowpitt, who served during the Second World War)
Mr Bowpitt is the oldest veteran photographed and served in the ‘Forgotten Army’ in Burma
The series of portraits features young and old former soldiers (Pictured is 18-year-old Holly Stroud)
Ms Stroud is the youngest veteran to have been photographed by Rankin
Vicky McLennan, 45, is a former Royal Army Medical Corps combat medical technician
The RBVE said its campaign places ‘today’s veterans at the heart of the national story’
John Ahben, 48, served in the British Army for 12 years
Paul Landamore, in his 40s, is a former Royal Marines Commando
Tirtha Thapa, 41, served with the Royal Gurkha Rifles
Che Smitherman, in his 20s, is a former infantry soldier
Purna Gurung, 38, served in the British Army with the 1st Gurkha Rifles
Steve Hammond, in his 60s, is the final veteran to have been pictured
It also includes Purna Gurung, 38, who served in the British Army with the 1st Gurkha Rifles, veteran Steve Hammond, 60s, former British Army Royal Gurkha Rifles Tirtha Thapa, 41, former Royal Army Medical Corps combat medical technician Vicky McLennan, 45, and Percy Bowpitt, 100, who fought in the ‘Forgotten Army’ in Burma during the Second World War.
The RBVE said the campaign ‘places today’s veterans at the heart of the national story’, shining a light on the individuals behind the ‘Tommy’ symbol and reinforcing the need for support long after service ends.
Just two in five UK adults correctly recognise the ‘Tommy’ name and figure as representing everyone who has served or is still serving in the military, with awareness falling to only 16 per cent among Gen Z compared to 70 per cent of baby boomers.
The RBVE said it shows ‘a generational disconnect between awareness of one of the UK’s most recognisable symbols of military service’.
Rankin said: ‘These portraits, created to mark VE Day, are about reframing the moment not just as a day of reflection, but as a way of connecting past and present.
‘The “Tommy” silhouette is instantly recognisable, but what interested me was the human story behind it.
‘By bringing contemporary veterans into that frame, we’re able to show that service doesn’t end with history, it continues today, in very real and personal ways.
‘These are portraits about identity, resilience, and the reality of modern service.’
Veteran and RBVE’s social enterprise team lead Purna Gurung said: ‘VE Day is a powerful moment for the country, but it doesn’t always reflect the experiences of those who served after the Second World War.
‘Many modern veterans don’t see their stories represented.
‘The portraits help bridge that gap. They show that the “Tommy” stands for every generation of service, including those still living with the impact of more recent conflicts.’
RBVE chief executive Lisa Farmer OBE said: ‘VE Day is a moment the nation comes together to reflect on what service means today – not just in the past, but for those still living with its impact.
‘It’s that idea that sits behind the “Tommy” silhouette which represents everyone who has served, across every generation.
‘Still Serving brings that to life, showing that the story of service didn’t end in 1945 and continues today.’
She added: ‘Working with Rankin allows us to bring this to life in a powerful and human way.
‘These portraits connect a familiar symbol with the real experiences of veterans today, revealing the people behind it and the stories that are often overlooked, particularly among those who served after 1945.’
