Remembering VE Day: Reflections on Peace for Those Living with Memory Problems

Victory in Europe (VE) Day, observed annually on 8 May, marks the formal end of World War II in Europe and serves as a moment of national and international reflection on the immense sacrifices made during the conflict. Originally celebrated with widespread relief and jubilation, VE Day has evolved into an occasion not only for commemoration but also for reaffirming the values of peace and unity that emerged from the hardships of war. While the historical significance remains unchanged, the ways in which remembrance is experienced and understood have shifted over time. For individuals with memory difficulties, such as those living with dementia, the act of remembering takes on a unique and poignant role. Memory impairments may limit their ability to recall specific historical details, yet the emotional and symbolic aspects of remembrance continue to resonate. The rituals associated with VE Day war-time songs, symbolic imagery like poppies, and communal gatherings can provide moments of recognition, familiarity, and emotional connection, even when cognitive recall fades.

Beyond personal recollection, remembrance plays a crucial role in reinforcing feelings of peace, unity, and belonging. It serves as a bridge between the past and present, enabling individuals with memory difficulties to engage with national and familial traditions in ways that affirm their place within a collective historical narrative. In doing so, remembrance becomes more than an exercise in recalling dates and events, it transforms into a meaningful interaction that support social inclusion, emotional stability, and a deeper appreciation of historical legacies.

Remembrance and Identity in Individuals with Memory Difficulties

Memory serves as a foundational pillar of identity, shaping how individuals perceive themselves, their past experiences, and their relationships with others. However, for those experiencing memory impairments such as those living with dementia, the ability to recall specific events may progressively decline. Despite this, research has shown that emotional and implicit memories often remain intact, allowing individuals to engage with historical narratives in meaningful ways (Wong et al., 2021). Commemorations like VE Day offer opportunities for individuals with memory difficulties to connect with history beyond cognitive recall. While explicit recollection of wartime events may be fragmented or lost, the emotional resonance of remembrance such as feelings of gratitude, recognition, and belonging can remain vivid. Kitwood (2019) highlights that meaningful engagement with symbols, rituals, and shared experiences promotes connection and reinforces a sense of self, even when verbal recollection fades.

Sensory cues play a particularly crucial role in maintaining identity through remembrance. The familiar sight of poppies, the sound of wartime songs, or the act of observing a national moment of silence can trigger emotional responses, providing individuals with memory problems a sense of participation. Such experiences reaffirm their place within a broader historical and social context, offering comfort and familiarity despite cognitive decline (Cabrera et al., 2020). Moreover, social interaction during remembrance events plays a vital role in sustaining identity. Families and caregivers who facilitate discussions about VE Day provide individuals with the opportunity to engage in storytelling, even if the memories expressed are fragmented or symbolic rather than factual. Guzmán-Vélez et al. (2016) argue that maintaining these connections reinforces emotional wellbeing, allowing memory-impaired individuals to retain a sense of purpose within their communities.

Ultimately, remembrance serves as more than an act of recalling specific moments, it preserves emotional continuity, reinforces identity, and strengthens a lasting connection between individuals and the historical events that shaped their society. Through symbolic traditions, shared stories, and emotional associations, VE Day remains an accessible and deeply meaningful occasion for those experiencing memory impairments.

Symbolic Rituals and Their Psychological Impact

Symbolic rituals play a crucial role in bridging the gap between history and emotional experience, particularly for individuals with memory impairments such as dementia. VE Day celebrations are rich with visual, auditory, and social cues that evoke familiarity, reinforcing feelings of belonging and continuity with the past. While cognitive recall may weaken over time, deeply embedded emotional responses remain, allowing individuals to engage with historical commemorations in meaningful ways (Cabrera et al., 2020).

One of the most powerful symbols of remembrance is the red poppy, which serves as a visual marker of collective memory. Even for those experiencing cognitive decline, the repetitive and widely recognised symbolism of the poppy can trigger an implicit understanding of remembrance and sacrifice. Research has shown that individuals living with dementia often retain associative memory, meaning they may not recall specific facts about VE Day but can still associate poppies with war-time reflections and remembrance rituals (Wong et al., 2021). Music also plays a pivotal role in reinforcing remembrance. War-time songs such as "We’ll Meet Again" or "The White Cliffs of Dover" can activate deep-seated emotional responses, even in individuals with severe memory impairment. Musical engagement has been widely studied in dementia research, with findings indicating that familiar melodies stimulate positive emotions and recall, cultivating moments of connection between past and present experiences (Guzmán-Vélez et al., 2016).

Public ceremonies, such as the laying of wreaths, bell-ringing, and national moments of silence, create an environment of collective reflection and unity. Participating in these communal acts, either actively or passively, allows individuals with memory problems to reaffirm their place within societal traditions. Even if factual historical understanding is compromised, the emotional significance of the gathering fosters an innate sense of recognition and shared legacy (Kitwood, 2019). Ultimately, symbolic rituals provide an accessible pathway for individuals with memory difficulties to connect with history, reinforcing themes of peace, unity, and resilience. Through visual symbols, auditory cues, and communal participation, VE Day commemorations continue to serve as powerful touchstones of remembrance, ensuring that historical narratives remain deeply felt, even in altered cognitive states.

The Role of Social Interaction in Remembrance

Social interaction plays a vital role in remembrance, especially for individuals with memory impairments. VE Day commemorations provide a unique opportunity for those affected by conditions such as dementia to engage in meaningful conversations, storytelling, and shared experiences. While their ability to recall specific events may diminish, the emotional impact of social engagement can remain strong, encouraging a sense of connection and belonging within their communities. Storytelling has long been a fundamental way of preserving history, and for individuals with memory difficulties, it serves as a powerful tool in maintaining identity and emotional wellbeing. Participatory storytelling, where individuals recount personal or family wartime memories within a supportive environment, strengthens psychological resilience and reinforces feelings of purpose (Guzmán-Vélez et al., 2016).

Even when recollections are fragmented or unclear, the act of sharing, even in small moments, provides validation that their experiences and emotions remain significant. Furthermore, conversational prompts such as listening to historical radio broadcasts, looking at old photographs, or hearing familiar voices from the past can spark recognition and provide momentary clarity, reinforcing emotional stability and continuity (Cabrera et al., 2020). Being part of VE Day discussions, ceremonies, or informal family gatherings allows individuals with memory impairments to remain engaged with traditions that shape historical and cultural identity. Research suggests that group reminiscence therapy, which involves sharing memories in a collective setting, enhances feelings of self-worth and social connectedness in older adults with cognitive decline (Kitwood, 2019).

Even if direct recall of wartime events is impaired, the social atmosphere of VE Day provides familiarity and reinforces a sense of participation in national history. The presence of loved ones during remembrance activities can act as a grounding mechanism, helping individuals with memory difficulties feel more secure and valued. While traditional historical remembrance focuses on facts and events, VE Day for individuals with memory problems is more about emotional continuity. Engaging in communal rituals, such as watching televised commemorations, attending local memorial events, or joining conversations about wartime reflections, reinforces their place within a larger historical narrative. These interactions demonstrate that remembrance is not solely about recalling events, but about preserving deep-seated emotional ties to history, nurturing peace, unity, and human connection. By participating in VE Day commemorations, memory-impaired individuals continue to contribute to the legacy of history in their own meaningful way.

Peace and Unity Through Historical Reflection

Remembrance acts as a vital bridge between past experiences and contemporary values, reinforcing the significance of peace and unity in both personal and societal contexts. VE Day, as a commemoration of the end of World War II in Europe, serves as a reminder of the collective sacrifices made during wartime and the subsequent efforts to rebuild a society founded on cooperation and reconciliation. Through historical reflection, individuals including those with memory impairments gain an integral understanding of the impact of peacebuilding, fostering a continued appreciation for global unity.

For individuals experiencing memory difficulties, engaging in historical remembrance is less about recalling specific dates and more about absorbing the essence of peace and unity. Even when cognitive recall fades, the emotional recognition of war-time narratives and commemorative rituals remains strong (Harris, 2018). Historical awareness, particularly in fragmented recollections, allows individuals to grasp the fundamental principles of conflict resolution and reconciliation. Exposure to historical stories, whether through discussions, memorial services, or visual cues, reinforces values of cooperation and mutual understanding, even in altered cognitive states.

Peacebuilding is not only an international effort but also an individual and community-wide practice. For those with memory impairments, feeling included in discussions about peace fosters a sense of purpose and belonging. Studies indicate that symbolic gestures, such as lighting candles, observing moments of silence, or engaging in storytelling, can provide comfort and promote social inclusion in those with cognitive decline (Kitwood, 2019). The process of reflection encourages memory-impaired individuals to focus on positive emotions associated with unity, rather than the distressing aspects of war. By participating in remembrance activities, they engage in a broader conversation about hope, resilience, and cooperation, reinforcing their own connection to a world built upon these values.

While VE Day commemorates a historic moment, its legacy extends beyond its original context. The lessons from World War II, the necessity of diplomacy, cooperation, and respect for human dignity, remain relevant in today’s world. For individuals with memory problems, engaging in VE Day commemorations can promote a sense of continuity and shared responsibility, reminding them that their presence and participation contribute to a collective historical narrative. Ultimately, historical reflection enables individuals to appreciate peace not simply as a concept but as a lived experience, shaped by the sacrifices and triumphs of previous generations. Through remembrance, individuals with memory impairments connect with the past, affirm their place in the present, and contribute to the ongoing pursuit of unity and understanding.

VE Day stands as a vital moment of historical remembrance, offering communities the opportunity to reflect on the resilience, sacrifices, and lessons of the past. For individuals with memory difficulties, engaging in commemorative activities cultivate emotional continuity, providing familiar rituals and shared experiences that reinforce their connection to history. The act of remembrance extends beyond factual recall, it strengthens social bonds, allowing those with cognitive impairments to participate in meaningful traditions that promote unity. Whether through symbolic gestures like wearing poppies, engaging in storytelling, or attending ceremonies, these interactions create a lasting sense of belonging and purpose. Moreover, remembrance plays a crucial role in preserving historical awareness, ensuring that the values of peace and unity endure across generations. By engaging in VE Day traditions, individuals, regardless of cognitive ability, contribute to the ongoing conversation about reconciliation and shared humanity. In doing so, the legacy of VE Day continues to inspire a collective commitment to understanding, inclusion, and the pursuit of lasting peace.

References

Cabrera, L., Mitchell, G., & McDaniel, M. (2020). The role of sensory stimulation in memory recall for individuals with dementia. Journal of Alzheimer’s Care, 17(2), 95-112.

Guzmán-Vélez, E., Feinstein, J. S., & Tranel, D. (2016). Emotion and memory preservation in dementia: Lessons from storytelling. Neuropsychology Review, 26(4), 370-385.

Harris, R. (2018). Historical remembrance and its role in peace-building. British Journal of History and Society, 23(3), 110-124.

Kitwood, T. (2019). Dementia reconsidered: The person comes first. Open University Press.

Wong, S., Rosen, H. J., & Kumar, S. (2021). Memory retention and emotional resonance in Alzheimer’s disease. Cognitive Neuroscience Journal, 35(5), 250-268.