VE-Day - 80th Anniversary Pen

Victory in Europe Day, otherwise known as VE-Day, is the day celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces, and was the official end of World War II in Europe. 

It will be 80 years on 8th May 2025 since this momentous day, and the liberation of Europe from Nazi tyranny.

To commemorate this 80th Anniversary, Conway Stewart have launched the VE-Day 80th Anniversary Pen with an excerpt of Winston Churchill's famous VE-Day speech engraved around the barrel. His full speech from the balcony of the Ministry of Health in Whitehall London to the cheering crowds is as follows:

 "God bless you all. This is your victory! It is the victory of the cause of freedom in every land. In all our long history we have never seen a greater day than this. Everyone, man or woman, has done their best. Everyone has tried. Neither the long years, nor the dangers, nor the fierce attacks of the enemy, have in any way weakened the independent resolve of the British nation. God bless you all. My dear friends, this is your hour. This is not victory of a party or of any class. It’s a victory of the great British nation as a whole. We were the first, in this ancient island, to draw the sword against tyranny. After a while, we were left all alone against the most tremendous military power that has been seen. We were all alone for a whole year. There we stood, alone. Did anyone want to give in? [The crowd shouted “No.”]  Were we down-hearted? [“No!”]  The lights went out and the bombs came down. But every man, woman and child in the country had no thought of quitting the struggle. London can take it. So we came back after long months from the jaws of death, out of the mouth of hell, while all the world wondered. When shall the reputation and faith of this generation of English men and women fail? I say that in the long years to come not only will the people of this island but of the world, wherever the bird of freedom chirps in human hearts, look back to what we've done and they will say: 'Do not despair, do not yield to violence and tyranny, march straightforward and die if need be-unconquered.' Now we have emerged from one deadly struggle - a terrible foe has been cast on the ground and awaits our judgement and our mercy." 

Also a section of King George VI's famous victory broadcast made to the world at 9pm on the 8th May 1945 is engraved around the cap.

"There is great comfort in the thought that the years of darkness and danger in which the children of our country have grown up are over and, please God, for ever. We shall have failed, and the blood of our dearest will have flowed in vain, if the victory which they died to win does not lead to a lasting peace, founded on justice and established in good will. To that, then, let us turn our thoughts on this day of just triumph and proud sorrow; and then take up our work again, resolved as a people to do nothing unworthy of those who died for us and to make the world such a world as they would have desired, for their children and for ours. This is task to which now honour binds us. In the hour of danger we humbly committed our cause into the Hand of God, and He has been our Strength and Shield. Let us thank Him for His mercies, and in this hour of Victory commit ourselves and our new task to the guidance of that same strong Hand."

To listen to the King's speech click here

A Pen that tells a story

The Conway Stewart VE-Day 80th Anniversary Pen is more than a writing instrument—it’s a piece of history. Crafted with the elegance Conway Stewart has been known for since 1905, the fountain pen is fitted with an 18ct 2-tone gold nib. The pen is made in high density black acrylic with sterling silver rings with the wide cap band hallmarked to prove its quality and provenance. The top of the cap has the famous red Poppy (lest we forget). This beautiful guilloche engraved and vitreous enamel poppy button is made in sterling silver.  But what makes this pen truly special is its engravings: etched into its barrel are words from Churchill’s iconic VE- Day speech, delivered as he stood before the cheering masses, with phrases like “jaws of death” and “while all the world wondered” echoing the resilience of a nation that refused to yield, while the cap bears an excerpt from King George VI’s Victory Speech, honoring the royal address that marked the historic day.

Limited Edition of 80 pens worldwide. Each pen has its edition number engraved on the barrel end.

Available as a fountain pen or a rollerball