WHO: The public as well and students, faculty and staff of Westminster College are cordially invited to join America’s National Churchill Museum in a first-ever celebration of its kind.

WHAT: The bells of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury, will ring a celebratory peal for 10 minutes to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, when Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced that the war in Europe had ended.

Other activities*:

• Special tribute to mid-Missouri community members of the Greatest Generation
• Opportunities to cuddle and take photos with ANCM’s new British bulldog mascot, Victor
• Lawn games such as croquet (weather permitting)
• Light, festive refreshments
• Music
• Other activities, as a celebration for the community and break from finals for Westminster students

WHEN: 11:50 a.m.-1 p.m. CDT on VE Day – Thursday, May 8, 2025

WHERE: Latshaw Plaza on the campus of Westminster College, 501 Westminster Ave., between Champ Auditorium and ANCM. Parking available behind Champ and on West Seventh Street.

WHY: This event will take place in unity with churches and other civic organizations throughout the world ― particularly the UK ― including Westminster Abbey, where the king and queen will attend a solemn ceremony. Bell-ringings, reflections and other remembrances in celebrations of unity and peace will honor those who gave the greatest sacrifice for freedom.