Remembering the past, supporting the present: a message from CEO Allan Thomson

This week sees the first of two historic moments as the nation marks 80 years since Victory in Europe – VE Day – on Thursday 8 May, commemorating the end of the Second World War in Europe.

This is followed by the anniversary of Victory Over Japan (VJ Day) on Friday 15 August 2025, when Japan surrendered and marks the end of the Second World War in the Far East.

The country will come together through a series of national and local events which are a chance for us to show our gratitude to the men and women who fought for our freedom and in particular those who made the ultimate sacrifice to give us peace.

At Aspire Defence, we have a particular appreciation of the contribution and sacrifice that people working for the Armed Forces make, with a third of the British Army on our estate and through our close working relationship with the UK Military and the organisations and groups that support them.

The commemoration of VE Day is extremely meaningful to me: I started my military career in 1983 as a TA Gunner during the Cold War and served for 31 years across many theatres including Afghanistan. As we pursue our mission to make today’s soldiers’ lives better, we will pause to remember and say a quiet thank you not just those who lost their lives in World War Two but also those who died in conflicts before and since.

As we mark these significant milestones, it is essential that we remember the sacrifices made, not just on the battlefields, but by families, communities, and nations. It is through the dedication of these individuals—past and present—that we are afforded the peace and freedoms we can so easily take for granted.

At Aspire Defence, we are committed to continuing this legacy, ensuring that the stories of our veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice are never forgotten. I am proud that Aspire Defence is a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant and is contributing to making the lives of veterans better as well.

This week, we stand in gratitude and solidarity with all those who served. Their bravery and resilience are an inspiration, and their contributions continue to shape our present and future.

In this time of reflection, let us also pledge to never forget, to always commemorate, and to continue supporting those who have given so much for our country.