Today marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day – Victory in Europe Day – which commemorates the end of the Second World War in Europe. Across the country, events and celebrations are taking place to honour this pivotal moment in our history.
At ACS, VE Day holds a special significance, reflecting our deep-rooted connection to the armed forces. We proudly offer guaranteed job interviews to former service personnel and support the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) through our annual Steel Soldiers fundraising campaign. Held in honour of Remembrance Day, the initiative sees our team create steel soldier figures for communities across the country. Last year alone, the campaign raised an impressive £7,000 for ABF, helping to provide vital support to soldiers, veterans, and their families.
“VE Day Is An Important Moment Of Reflection”
As part of our ACS Insights series, we spoke to Jim Duffy of the ABF, who shared his reflections on the importance of the anniversary, and why the work between organisations like ACS and ABF remains vital.
“I’m so proud to be a part of the Army Benevolent Fund – the national charity of the British Army – providing a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families,” Jim explains. “VE Day is an important moment of reflection – a time to recognise the courage and sacrifice of those who served, and to acknowledge the continued importance of supporting our armed forces personnel throughout their lives. It reinforces why organisations like ABF are here – to ensure that every soldier can avoid hardship and live with independence and dignity.”
The Army Benevolent Fund
The ABF has stood beside the Army family since 1944 – just one year before VE Day itself. Over the past eight decades, the charity has helped hundreds of thousands of serving soldiers and veterans, including those from the Second World War. One of those individuals is Peter, a veteran of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, now living at Broughton House in Salford – a partner care home supported by ABF.
During his military career, Peter served in multiple countries including Cyprus and Palestine and saw action across several key theatres of World War II. He was awarded six medals, among them the prestigious Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur, for his contribution to the Liberation of France. He ended his service as a Sergeant.
A Proud Relationship
“We wouldn’t be able to deliver this kind of lifelong support without the backing of organisations like ACS,” adds Jim. “The Steel Soldiers campaign continues to raise vital funds and awareness each year, and it’s something we’re incredibly grateful for.”
We’re proud to continue our relationship with the ABF into 2025 and look forward to launching our next Steel Soldiers campaign in the autumn.
In the meantime, if you’d like to find out more about the ABF, and support the organisation’s VE Day fundraising campaign here.