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As we approach 2025, we commemorate several significant anniversaries from World War II. These events not only shaped the course of the war but also had lasting impacts on global history. Here are ten key anniversaries to remember in the year ahead.

1. 80th Anniversary of the Yalta Conference (February 4-11, 1945)

The Yalta Conference was a pivotal meeting between the “Big Three” Allied leaders: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin. Held in the Crimean resort town of Yalta, this conference aimed to discuss the reorganisation of post-war Europe. It included an intense debate over Poland’s future borders and government, which sowed the seeds of the Cold War. The conference also saw the Allies agree on the establishment of the United Nations, a significant step towards post-war international cooperation.

2. 80th Anniversary of the Bombing of Dresden (February 13-15, 1945)

The bombing of Dresden by Allied forces remains one of the most controversial Allied actions of World War II. Over three days, the city was subjected to intense bombing raids, resulting in a firestorm that destroyed much of the historic city and caused significant civilian casualties. Dresden was not initially a primary target; it was added to the list due to its industrial and transportation significance. The destruction of Dresden has since sparked debates about the ethics of strategic bombing.

3. 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima (February 19 – March 26, 1945)

The Battle of Iwo Jima was a critical conflict in the Pacific, where U.S. Marines captured the island from Japanese forces. This battle is often remembered for the iconic photograph of Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi. An extensive network of tunnels and bunkers was used by the Japanese defenders, which made the battle particularly brutal and prolonged. The capture of Iwo Jima provided a strategic base for Allied forces, significantly aiding the subsequent invasion of Okinawa.

4. 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Bergen-Belsen (April 15, 1945)

Bergen-Belsen was one of the most notorious Nazi concentration camps, and its liberation by British forces revealed the horrific extent of the Holocaust. Among the survivors was Anne Frank’s father, Otto Frank, who later published her famous diary. A poignant detail is the role of British medical teams who, despite limited resources, worked tirelessly to save as many lives as possible in the aftermath of the camp’s liberation.

5. 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day (May 8, 1945)

VE Day marked the official end of World War II in Europe, celebrated with jubilant crowds across Allied nations. People celebrated spontaneously, with many taking to the streets in impromptu parades and parties. In London, King George VI and Prime Minister Winston Churchill appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to greet the cheering crowds, a moment that symbolised the end of years of hardship and conflict.

6. 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa (April 1 – June 22, 1945)

The Battle of Okinawa was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War and one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. A lesser-known detail is the significant role played by Okinawan civilians, many of whom were caught in the crossfire or coerced into fighting by Japanese forces. The battle’s high casualty rate and the use of kamikaze tactics by the Japanese highlighted the desperate resistance faced by Allied forces as they closed in on Japan.

7. 80th Anniversary of the Potsdam Conference (July 17 – August 2, 1945)

The Potsdam Conference was the last meeting of the major Allied leaders during World War II, held in the Berlin suburb of Potsdam. This conference saw the issuing of the Potsdam Declaration, which called for Japan’s unconditional surrender. An interesting detail is the change in leadership during the conference, with Harry S. Truman replacing the late Franklin D. Roosevelt and Clement Attlee replacing Winston Churchill halfway through the conference after the British general election saw him lose power.

8. 80th Anniversary of the Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (August 6 and 9, 1945)

The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were pivotal events that led to Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II. Remarkably, one man, Tsutomu Yamaguchi, survived both bombings. He was in Hiroshima on a business trip when the first bomb was dropped and returned to his home in Nagasaki just in time to experience the second bombing.

9. 80th Anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day (August 15, 1945)

VJ Day marked the official end of World War II, celebrated with relief and joy across the Allied nations. In Japan, the announcement of surrender by Emperor Hirohito was a moment of profound significance, as it was the first time many Japanese people had heard their emperor’s voice. The surrender ceremony aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945, symbolised the end of hostilities and the beginning of a new era of peace.

10. 80th Anniversary of the Nuremberg Trials (November 20, 1945)

The Nuremberg Trials were a series of military tribunals held to prosecute prominent leaders of Nazi Germany for war crimes. These trials were groundbreaking in establishing the principles of international law and accountability for crimes against humanity. It included the showing of the film “Nazi Concentration Camps,” which was presented as evidence during the trials. This documentary, compiled from footage taken by Allied forces, provided undeniable proof of the atrocities committed by the Nazis.

We have a year ahead of significant anniversaries, which will serve as poignant reminders of the sacrifices made and the lessons learned during World War II. As we commemorate these events in 2025, it is essential to reflect on their historical significance in our turbulent world today.

Interested in the lesser-known aspects of the Second World War? Read my blog about life in wartime Naples here.