A charity has highlighted a lack of awareness among Gen Z adults regarding military history, with a significant portion unaware that VE Day signifies the end of World War II in Europe. According to a survey conducted by the Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE) to coincide with VE Day celebrations, only 63% of UK adults correctly associate VE Day with the conclusion of the Second World War, dropping to 34% among the Gen Z demographic.
The survey also revealed that 80% of UK adults consider VE Day an integral part of British identity, with 79% believing it aids younger generations in understanding historical events. However, the study found that only 23% of the public believe younger individuals grasp the experiences of veterans who continue to be affected by their service.
In response to these findings, the RBVE has launched the Still Serving campaign in honor of the 81st anniversary of VE Day. The initiative features a portrait series by renowned photographer Rankin, showcasing nine veterans, including individuals like Che Smitherman, Holly Stroud, John Ahben, Paul Landamore, Purna Gurung, Steve Hammond, Tirtha Thapa, Vicky McLennan, and Percy Bowpitt.
The campaign aims to spotlight modern veterans and emphasize the ongoing support needed beyond their service years. It also addresses the disconnect in recognizing the “Tommy” symbol, which represents military service, with only 40% of UK adults correctly identifying it. The campaign underscores the importance of bridging the generational gap in understanding military symbols and history.
Rankin expressed that the portraits aim to connect past and present, highlighting the personal stories behind the iconic “Tommy” figure. Purna Gurung, a veteran and RBVE team lead, emphasized the importance of representing all generations of service, including those impacted by recent conflicts.
Lisa Farmer OBE, the CEO of RBVE, emphasized that the campaign aims to redefine the perception of service beyond 1945. By collaborating with Rankin, the initiative seeks to humanize the experiences of veterans and shed light on often overlooked stories, especially those of post-1945 service members.
