{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"Chris James, Head of Brand and Ambassadors","standfirst":"From local Remembrance events to World Scout Jamborees, Scouts continue to strive for international peace, friendship and understanding. This year, as we mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, we look ahead to commemoration events, as well as simple actions we can take to build a better future. ","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/5dfdiszu/scouts-at-a-world-scout-jamboree.jpg","width":2100,"height":1400,"altText":"The image shows a group of Scouts gathered in a crowd inside a stadium at a World Scout Jamboree. They\u0027re wearing blue and yellow rain ponchos and holding light up toys while sitting on plastic chairs.","caption":"World Scout Jamborees are a way to bring young people together from across the world in a spirit of peace","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EWe live in a troubled world. There are currently over 40 wars and conflicts taking place around the globe. Over 100,000 combatants and civilians lost their lives to war in 2024 alone, notably in Ukraine and Gaza.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis provides a stark backdrop to events commemorating peace this year. Sadly, war is not a thing of the past and we need to \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/global-scouting/international-crises/support-for-volunteers/using-scout-values-to-discuss-global-issues-and-conflict/\u0022 title=\u0022Using Scout Values to discuss global issues and conflict\u0022\u003Esupport our young people sensitively\u003C/a\u003E when discussing global issues and conflict. Many of our members, families and communities will be directly or indirectly impacted by wars, past and present.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHowever, events focused on peace have a vital role to play. This can offer much needed hope and opportunities for learning, and support a spirit of mutual understanding and empathy. This year is especially significant as it sees the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp (Holocaust Memorial Day), VE Day 80 (Victory in Europe) and VJ Day (Victory Over Japan Day).\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/fbtcyfra/holocaust-memorial-day-logo.jpg","width":480,"height":297,"altText":"The image shows the Holocaust Memorial Day logo. There\u0027s a dark purple flame-like shape with a lighter purple one on top of it, which sits above the text \u0027Holocaust Memorial Day\u0027 in all capitals.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003EOur role in promoting peace\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs Scouts, we\u0027ve always taken positive action to promote peace. World Scout Jamborees have become powerful ways to bring people together across borders, nurturing international understanding and friendship. \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/international-scouts-and-events/international-events/wsj/jamborees-of-the-past/\u0022 title=\u0022Jamborees of the past\u0022\u003EThe 1st World Scout Jamboree, held in London in 1920\u003C/a\u003E, was created specifically in response to the First World War to inspire peace among the next generation and between the nations.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn a similar spirit, Remembrance events each year in November give us an opportunity to give thanks for the peace some of us are lucky enough to enjoy. They also help us be mindful of those who\u0027ve sacrificed their lives, continue to risk their lives and those who are living in places of conflict.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003EMessengers of Peace\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAt a global level, World Scouting\u2019s \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scout.org/what-we-do/young-people-and-communities/peace\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMessengers of Peace\u003C/a\u003E help build a culture of peace and sustainable development worldwide.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis means education, awareness, supporting refugees and taking other humanitarian action.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGlobally, over the last 15 years, Scouts have given 2.7 billion hours of service towards the Sustainable Development Goals.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHere in the UK, we\u0027ll be looking at integrating Messengers for Peace and Dialogue for Peace into our programme later this year.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/tb3l52c3/messengers-of-peace-logo.png","width":300,"height":265,"altText":"The image shows the Messengers of Peace logo. The text \u0027Messengers of Peace\u0027 appears in green, underneath a purple outline of a dove with it\u0027s wings spread out. The dove is carrying green leaves from its mouth and has the Scout logo on the side of it\u0027s body. You can see the bird from it\u0027s side, and it\u0027s facing to the right.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E2025: A year of commemoration\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELooking ahead, these are some of the key moments in 2025 when we will be thinking more deeply about peace. You may have already planned some activities in your programme around these.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn all cases, there are simple things Scouts can do, as well as more in-depth ways to explore the issue.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/hyebrh34/ve-day-80-badge.png","width":418,"height":426,"altText":"The image shows Scouts\u0027 occasional badge for VE Day 80. The badge features the colours of the Union Jack (red, white and navy) around the border, with a red poppy at the top in the middle, and a fleur-de-lis in navy on a gold circle background in the middle at the bottom. The text in the middle of the badge on a white background says \u0027VE Day 80, Scouts for Peace\u0027.","caption":"The VE Day 80 occasional badge is on sale from March 2025.","link":null},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EEach year on the same day, we commemorate and remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust during the Second World War. The date itself,\u00A027 January, is the anniversary of the day Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp (in Poland) was liberated. Other genocides are also commemorated on the same day.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMore widely, Holocaust Memorial Day is an important moment to challenge prejudice, hate speech, persecution and genocide denial. It unites us in remembrance, honours survivors and helps us collectively strive for a better future.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIndeed, this year the theme of Holocaust Memorial Day is \u2018For a Better Future.\u2019 It marks the 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and 30 years since the genocide in Bosnia in 1995.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Holocaust Memorial Day Trust has created some excellent ways to \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://hmd.org.uk/resource/take-action-for-a-better-future/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Etake action for a better future\u003C/a\u003E, including lighting a candle and placing it safely in your window at 8pm on 27 January, writing to your MP to raise awareness, or learning more about survivors like \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://hmd.org.uk/resource/yisrael-abelesz/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EYisrael Abelesz\u003C/a\u003E, who was just 14 years old when he was deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDo one thing:\u003C/strong\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/learn-about-holocaust-memorial-day/\u0022 title=\u0022Learn about Holocaust Memorial Day\u0022\u003ELearn about Holocaust Memorial Day\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Holocaust Memorial Day \u2013 27 January "},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThursday 8 May is VE Day 80 (Victory in Europe Day). This marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe with the surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allies in May 1945.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe day is an opportunity to remember the 450,000 from the UK who lost their lives in the war (including 70,000 civilians) as well as the millions more across Europe and around the world.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe event will be marked by commemorative events across the UK. Scouts are invited to light beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace at 9.30pm on Thursday 8 May.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019re planning to be part of the VE Day Commemoration, you can\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.veday80.org.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eregister your event\u003C/a\u003E nationally. You event will be added to the official calendar and a certificate will be issued.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance/remembrance-events/remembering-the-end-of-the-second-world-war#:~:text=2025%20marks%2080%20years%20since%20the%20end%20of,over%20Japan%20%28VJ%29%20Day%20on%2015%20August%201945.\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#:~:text=2025%20marks%2080%20years%20since%20the%20end%20of,over%20Japan%20%28VJ%29%20Day%20on%2015%20August%201945.\u0022\u003ERoyal British Legion\u003C/a\u003E is also organising events to mark this anniversary, involving veterans from the UK, Commonwealth and beyond.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDo one thing: \u003C/strong\u003ELook out for the\u003Cstrong\u003E VE Day 80 \u2013 Scouts for Peace Occasional Badge\u003C/strong\u003E that can be worn on uniform from May to October 2025. More details on this to follow in the membership email.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"VE Day 80 \u2013 8 May 2025"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThis year is also the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory Over Japan Day, also known as Victory in the Pacific Day) which takes place on 15 August. This is the day Imperial Japan surrendered bringing the Second World War to an end. Again, The Royal British Legion are planning events around this.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDo one thing:\u003C/strong\u003E Discuss with your team whether you plan to hold or take part in a commemoration event.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"VJ Day \u2013 15 August 2025"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFor nearly 40 years, The Peace Light from Bethlehem has travelled throughout Europe and beyond bringing with it a message of peace. The light is lit from the \u2018eternal flame\u2019 in the Nativity Grotto in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, before it is taken to Europe.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESince 1986, Scouts and Guides have played an important role passing it on from one place to another, and it has passed through over 30 countries. It\u2019s taken to schools, hospitals, churches, prisons and in 2024 travelled to Gilwell Park, the home of Scouts. It\u2019s also been presented to world leaders and been delivered to places of conflict.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhile the light did not travel from Bethlehem in 2024-25, the 2023 light has been saved and may once again travel around the UK, potentially to coincide with other peace focused events such as VE Day. Thank you to the Scouts in the UK who support this so well.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"The Peace Light"}]},{"value":"https://player.vimeo.com/video/1047762223","gridType":"embed","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EIn December 2023, the International Peace Light arrived at Gilwell Park, the UK home of Scouts. This is a light lit in Bethlehem by a child and then carried across Europe by Scouts and Guides as a message of peace.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003ESetting the right tone\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen discussing any of these anniversaries and events, it\u2019s important as volunteers we remain neutral, balanced and impartial, understanding that there\u0027ll be many different perspectives and cultural sensitivities. To create a safe space, it\u2019s important to put our own views aside so young people can share, listen and explore.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAll discussions should be grounded in our values, particularly care and respect. Our advice is to keep the focus on commemoration rather than celebration, with the focus on the impact of war and conflict on people and discovering their individual stories.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWe\u0027ve got guidance on \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/global-scouting/international-crises/support-for-volunteers/using-scout-values-to-discuss-global-issues-and-conflict/\u0022 title=\u0022Using Scout Values to discuss global issues and conflict\u0022\u003EUsing Scout Values to discuss global issues and conflict\u003C/a\u003E, as well as \u003Ca href=\u0022/news/2022/june/learning-about-and-welcoming-refugees-and-displaced-children-in-scouts/\u0022 title=\u0022Learning about and welcoming refugees and displaced children in Scouts\u0022\u003ELearning about and welcoming refugees in Scouts\u003C/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlways remember to live our Scout Values.\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Find out more","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"16 January 2025","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[{"caption":"","title":"Using Scout Values to discuss global issues and conflict","url":"/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/global-scouting/international-crises/support-for-volunteers/using-scout-values-to-discuss-global-issues-and-conflict/","newWindow":false},{"caption":"","title":"Learning about and welcoming refugees in Scouts","url":"/news/2022/june/learning-about-and-welcoming-refugees-and-displaced-children-in-scouts/","newWindow":false}],"relatedLinks":[],"id":84385,"nodeName":"Scouts for peace: How we can help build a better future","title":"Scouts for peace: How we can help build a better future","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/viabf03n/beacon.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1db6826ef0bb750","caption":"Beacon","type":"jpg","size":94538,"width":1024,"height":576,"altText":""},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Scouts for peace: How we can help build a better future","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"Scouts continue to strive for international peace. We look ahead to commemoration events and how we can help build a better future.","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC84NDM4NSJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2025/january/scouts-for-peace-how-we-can-help-build-a-better-future/"}