Deputy High Commissioner Joins World Leaders at Westminster Abbey to Mark 80 Years Since WWII Victory in Europe
London, May 8, 2025.
The Deputy High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to the United Kingdom, Mrs. Yvonne King Odigboh, today attended a solemn *Thanksgiving Service* at *Westminster Abbey* to mark *the 80th Anniversary of Victory (VE) Day* — a day that commemorates the end of World War II in Europe and honours the immense sacrifices made during the conflict.
The service, held in one of the UK’s most historic religious landmarks, formed the centrepiece of a nationwide commemoration. It was attended by His Majesty King Charles III, Her Majesty Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and other senior members of the Royal Family, along with political leaders including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and representatives from 138 countries, underscoring the global significance of the event.
The Westminster Abbey service included a two-minute national silence, symbolic readings — including one by Alexander Churchill, a great-great-grandson of wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill — and *a wreath-laying ceremony* at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.
Speaking after the event, Mrs. Odigboh acknowledged the importance of Sierra Leone’s presence at such a historic gathering. “This was a powerful reminder of the global effort that led to peace in Europe 80 years ago,” she said. “It was an honour to stand in solidarity with the international community in remembrance and hope.”
Today’s occasion spanned a week-long series of events, including a grand *Military Parade* and *Flypast* in central London attended by the Royal Family and World War II veterans. Across the UK, community events ranged from Royal British Legion *tea parties* to illuminated landmarks, with Her Majesty Queen Camilla visiting the *Tower of London* to view a commemorative display of nearly 30,000 ceramic poppies. placing the final poppy in the installation, titled “The Tower Remembers.”
There were also cultural and educational initiatives such as the “Beyond Victory” season at Westminster Abbey and exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum, offering opportunities for public reflection and learning.
The 80th anniversary of VE Day served not only as a memorial to the past but as a renewed call for global unity, peace, and resilience in an increasingly complex world. Sierra Leone’s participation in this major international event reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy, peacebuilding, and historical remembrance.
Abdulai Braima
Information Attaché