Tommy Atkins - A Poem and Reflection on VE DAY’s 80th Anniversary

Thank you, Tommy Atkins:

This week marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in (VE) Europe Day, so let’s show some respect for Tommy Atkins.

VE Day was, of course, a celebration. It marked the end of 6 long years of war in Europe in 1945.

It was a celebration in which our nation gave thanks to the brave men and women who served their country and defeated Fascism.

Yes, of course, many nations played their part, and we must be grateful to all of them too.

VE Day also marked the dawn of a new era. An era in which anything seemed possible.

We can look back now and make our own judgement about whether we’ve made the most of those post-World War II opportunities, but that really doesn’t matter.

What matters this week, and every week, is that we pay our respects to those who served.

There are few of them left now, so this is our last chance to thank those who gave their all for our freedom. Sadly, we must remember that many paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The world may not be perfect, but it’s better than it might have been. And it’s thanks to those brave men and women that it is.

As a mark of respect, I wrote today’s poem entitled Tommy Atkins.

In case you’re wondering, Tommy Atkins is a slang term for a common soldier in the British Army. Tommy is the everyman who served in Britain’s army.

So, let’s give thanks to Tommy and all who served to give us the freedom we still enjoy today.