Two-thirds of Gen Z adults are unaware that VE Day marks the end of the Second World War, a new poll has revealed. A survey for the Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE), ahead of upcoming commemorations, found that 63 per cent of UK adults recognise the date's significance, falling to just 34 per cent among Gen Z. The RBVE said the findings reveal “a gap in public understanding of military service past and present”.
Survey Findings
The Opinium poll of 2,052 adults also found that four in five (80 per cent) UK adults consider VE Day important to British identity, with 79 per cent believing it aids historical understanding. However, less than a quarter (23 per cent) believe younger generations truly grasp the experiences of veterans, who continue to live with the impact of service.
Still Serving Campaign
These findings coincide with the RBVE's ‘Still Serving’ campaign, marking the 81st anniversary of VE Day. The campaign features a portrait series of nine veterans by renowned British photographer Rankin, acknowledging VE Day as “a powerful moment of national reflection”. It includes former infantry soldier Che Smitherman, veteran Holly Stroud, John Ahben, who served in the British Army for 12 years, and former Royal Marines Commando Paul Landamore. Also featured are Purna Gurung, who served with the 1st Gurkha Rifles, veteran Steve Hammond, former British Army Royal Gurkha Rifles Tirtha Thapa, former Royal Army Medical Corps combat medical technician Vicky McLennan, and Percy Bowpitt, who fought in the “Forgotten Army” in Burma during the Second World War.
The RBVE said the campaign “places today’s veterans at the heart of the national story”, shining a light on the individuals behind the “Tommy” symbol and reinforcing the need for support long after service ends.
Generational Disconnect
Just two in five (40%) UK adults correctly recognise the “Tommy” name and figure as representing everyone who has served or is still serving in the military, with awareness falling to only 16% among Gen Z compared to 70% of baby boomers, the poll found. The RBVE said it shows “a generational disconnect between awareness of one of the UK’s most recognisable symbols of military service”.
Rankin said: “These portraits, created to mark VE Day, are about reframing the moment not just as a day of reflection, but as a way of connecting past and present. The ‘Tommy’ silhouette is instantly recognisable, but what interested me was the human story behind it. By bringing contemporary veterans into that frame, we’re able to show that service doesn’t end with history, it continues today, in very real and personal ways. These are portraits about identity, resilience, and the reality of modern service.”
Veteran and RBVE’s social enterprise team lead Purna Gurung said: “VE Day is a powerful moment for the country, but it doesn’t always reflect the experiences of those who served after the Second World War. Many modern veterans don’t see their stories represented. The portraits help bridge that gap. They show that the ‘Tommy’ stands for every generation of service, including those still living with the impact of more recent conflicts.”
RBVE chief executive Lisa Farmer OBE said: “VE Day is a moment the nation comes together to reflect on what service means today – not just in the past, but for those still living with its impact. It’s that idea that sits behind the ‘Tommy’ silhouette which represents everyone who has served, across every generation. ‘Still Serving’ brings that to life, showing that the story of service didn’t end in 1945 and continues today.” She added: “Working with Rankin allows us to bring this to life in a powerful and human way. These portraits connect a familiar symbol with the real experiences of veterans today, revealing the people behind it and the stories that are often overlooked, particularly among those who served after 1945.”
