A charity has highlighted a "gap in public understanding of military service" after a survey revealed that two-thirds of Gen Z adults did not know that VE Day marks the end of the Second World War in Europe.
Survey findings reveal generational divide
The survey, commissioned by the Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE) and released to coincide with VE Day commemorations on Friday, found that only 63% of UK adults recognise VE Day as marking the end of the Second World War in Europe. Among Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, this figure dropped to just 34%. The RBVE stated that this demonstrates "a gap in public understanding of military service past and present."
Despite this, the Opinium poll of 2,052 adults showed that four in five (80%) UK adults consider VE Day an important part of British identity, and 79% believe it helps younger generations understand history. However, less than a quarter (23%) of the public think younger generations truly comprehend the experiences of veterans who continue to live with the impact of their service.
Still Serving campaign launched
In response, the RBVE has launched its Still Serving campaign to mark the 81st anniversary of VE Day. The centrepiece is a series of portraits of nine veterans, shot by renowned British photographer Rankin, which acknowledges VE Day as "a powerful moment of national reflection."
The portraits feature a diverse group of veterans: former infantry soldier Che Smitherman (20s), veteran Holly Stroud (18), John Ahben (48), who served in the British Army for 12 years, and former Royal Marines Commando Paul Landamore (40s). Others include Purna Gurung (38), who served with the 1st Gurkha Rifles, veteran Steve Hammond (60s), former British Army Royal Gurkha Rifles soldier Tirtha Thapa (41), former Royal Army Medical Corps combat medical technician Vicky McLennan (45), and Percy Bowpitt (100), 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 over Tommy symbol
The survey also revealed a lack of awareness about the iconic "Tommy" silhouette, which represents all who have served or are currently serving in the military. Only 40% of UK adults correctly identified the Tommy figure, with awareness falling to just 16% among Gen Z, compared to 70% of baby boomers. The RBVE described this as "a generational disconnect between awareness of one of the UK's most recognisable symbols of military service."
Rankin commented on the portraits: "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."
Veterans' perspectives
Veteran and RBVE 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 added: "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 concluded: "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."
