Monday 5 May 2025 | Cadets from 17 Platoon Whitley had the privilege of being invited to represent the Army Cadet Force alongside veterans, service personnel, other cadets, youth and community organisations at the Number 10 street party as part of the VE80 commemorations. It was an opportunity to come together to honour the Second World War generation from across the UK and Commonwealth.
It was a great experience for Cadet Ledger, Corporal Haydon and Corporal Gurung. The cadets had the opportunity to speak to a range of high-profile attendees, sharing their experiences from their time in the ACF as well as what VE80 means to them, and they were even served tea and cake by the Prime Minister himself! Before leaving they were also given a commemorative plate and mug with the words VE Day 80 written on them to remember the occasion.
Corporal Gurung said of the day, “I really enjoyed the day and it’s definitely something I will never forget. It’s not every day you get to meet the Prime Minister and I’m truly thankful for being invited. Meeting veterans and hearing their stories is a special moment and highlights the importance and unity of VE Day”
Second Lieutenant O’Connor, Detachment Commander of 17 Platoon who also accompanied the cadets, reflected on the day and said, “It’s been a great experience for these hard working cadets to come together with representatives from across our society to commemorate this historic moment. The ACF is a route for young people to experience many amazing things and I’m delighted and honoured that we were invited to be apart of this. To be able to hear from veterans too is an important way to ensure the sacrifices they made on our behalf are remembered over the next generations. The cadets represented the County and ACF confidently and excellently – and I’m sure they’ll always remember the day they were served tea on Downing Street by the Prime Minister!”
For more photos from the event, click here.
Find out more about The Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force
