Remembrance Service 2025 – 80 years since VE Day and VJ Day
Events in Oxford will begin at 10.45 am
The Streets of Oxford City will fall silent on Sunday to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, commemorated with Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8th May and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on 15th August. The annual Remembrance Service and Parade will be held at the War Memorial in St Giles’ on Sunday 9th November at 10.45 am.
Military personnel together with community groups will gather at the junction of Beaumont Street and St Giles’ at 10.00 am. They will march up St Giles’ from 10.00 am and be followed by the Civic procession that will depart from St John’s College at 10.40 am.
The service will start at 10.45 am. There will be a two-minute silence at 11.00 am.
During the service there will be messages of Remembrance from Oxford’s faith leaders of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Quaker and Humanist communities. The Bishop of Oxford will give the Blessing and the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire will deliver the Act of Commitment.
There will also be a Service at Botley Cemetery, one of the largest Commonwealth War Graves in the country. This will start at 10.45 am. The service will be broadcast on Cherwell Radio and will host up to 500 local people and guests.
Free rail travel is offered to serving military personnel and veterans for Remembrance services, typically on Remembrance Sunday. Eligibility is based on carrying identifications such as a Veterans Rail Card or MOD-issued ID.