VIDEO: The Black Country remembers VE Day
The Black Country remembered those who lost their lives in the Second World War during celebrations for the 70th anniversary of VE Day today.
On May 8, 1945, millions of people across the UK were joined in euphoria when it was announced that the Second World War in Europe was over.
Today, generations new and old came together to show their respect for those who went to war but never returned.
In Wolverhampton, the Royal British Legion's annual VE Day service gave people from the city the chance to remember the sacrifices made by soldiers so they could live in freedom.
Standard bearers proudly held flags aloft outside St Peters Church, while bugle players signalled the start of proceedings to a crowd holding Union Jack flags that read 'Live On'.
The crowd were joined in prayer and echoed the line 'we shall remember them' after a reading of an extract from For the Fallen by Robert Binyon, before Mayor Michael Heap gave a speech thanking the crowd for attending.
Codsall resident George Hill, an 89 year old ex service man who attended the ceremony to represent the Burma Star Association, said: "To me it is an obligation to come to these events where we remember those who died in the Second World War.
"This is a reflection on the sense of national pride associated with those who never made it home and it is encouraging to see people still paying their respects 70 years after the war ended.
"There isn't many people left today who were serving in the army around the time the war ended, so it is good to see some of those people here today.
"We are all old soldiers now and days like today allow us to get together and be thankful that we are still here, when so many didn't come back."
As the standard bearers and ex soldiers paraded around St Peters Square, the crowd broke out into spontaneous applause.
Further ceremonies were held across the Black Country to mark the day, ranging from heartfelt tributes to 1940s style parties.
Veterans young and old were joined by civic leaders in Walsall for a two-minute silence to mark VE Day.
Mayor of Walsall Councillor Pete Smith was among the dignitaries at the event held outside the Council House, in Lichfield Street.
The poignant ceremony event also featured the playing of the Reveille.
The celebrations will continue through the weekend, with the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley hosting a day of speeches, food and fun on Saturday.
Organisers will help recreate the atmosphere of the day, with visitors able to meet 'Winston Churchill' and listen to his electrifying 'Victory Speech'.
