article_snippet.sent: Day, when Second World War Allied forces finally defeated Hitler's Nazi troops on the continent.
article_snippet.sent: On the first day of the festivities a national two-minute silence will be held at The Cenotaph at 3pm on Friday, May 8, marking the moment prime minister Winston Churchill broadcast the moment prime minister Winston Churchill historic speech to formally announce the end of the war.
article_snippet.sent: The next day cathedrals across the country will ring bells at 11am in celebration.
article_snippet.sent: Announcing the three-day celebrations last month, William Hague, First Secretary of State, said William Hague, First Secretary of State would pay 'fitting tribute' to those who did so much to defend the country and ensure victory in Europe.
article_snippet.sent: A Cheer Goes Up For George VI,
article_snippet.sent: Churchill said: 'It is right that we take time to reflect on the sacrifices made, not just by those in the Armed Forces, but by civilians such as Land Girls and those in Reserved Occupations and make sure that the country has the chance to take part in commemorating this momentous anniversary and remembering those who gave so much for we freedom. '
article_snippet.sent: The portrait of the Queen wearing a wreath on her head was considered to reflect the nation's optimism as it greeted a new monarch in the post-war years.