VE Day 80th Anniversary: "Those that didn't come back are the heroes," says 99 year-old Birmingham veteran
Tom Hill served in the Royal Marines in the Second World War
Last updated 8th May 2025
A 99 year-old veteran from Birmingham has said it's essential to remember those we lose in wartime.
It's as events take place across the UK today to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
There'll be a service at St. Paul's Cathedral and a memorial event at the National Arboretum.
Tom Hill from Birmingham will be among the Veterans invited to the Royal British Legion’s event at the Arboretum.
He was in the Royal Marines and told us what he remembers about the day victory in Europe was declared:
"We were in the Pacific and I think we were coming through the Panama Canal.
"But we didn't know anything about it until it was announced on the tannoy of the ship that war was over in Europe."
He said he gets called a hero for serving in the war, but says it's more important to remember those who didn't come home.
"I think of all those who never made it," he said.
"It's those that never came back that are the heroes."
Tom kept a secret diary during the war to document where he went.
He says he would have gone to prison if he'd been caught with it but hid it in his medical kit so he could remember the places he'd been.
When asked his reaction to find out war was over in Europe he simply replied "happy", as he had already "seen too much killing".
A National minute's silence will be held at midday to mark the anniversary.