If you or a family member are a veteran of World War Two, the Royal British Legion wants to hear from you, so you can take part in this year’s 80th anniversary
The Royal British Legion is today issuing a rallying call for World War Two veterans to come forward and take part in the 80th anniversary of the end of the conflict this year.
Last summer marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day, with members of the Royal Family, politicians, and the public attending major events in Normandy and around the country. There was not a dry eye to be had as the tales of heroism from that fateful day were recounted in France, as the world watched on.
But it is now hoped that in 2025, the nation will come together once again for VE Day (Victory in Europe) on May 8 and VJ Day (Victory over Japan) on August 15, to pay tribute to those who gave so much for the freedoms which endure today in modern Britain.
There could even be a repeat of the 50th anniversary of VE Day celebrations in 1995, with street parties across the country as the 80th anniversary could be one last chance to include veterans who fought between 1939 and 1945, with an estimated 70,000 still alive today in the UK.
Among these noble heroes are RAF sergeant Bernard Morgan, who was 100 last year, who attended the commemorations for D-Day in Normandy last June and landed on Gold Beach when he was just 20 years old. Mr Morgan, from Crewe, was a code-breaker and was recently invited to The Princess of Wales’ annual Christmas carol service about which he said it was “truly special to be invited”.
Another veteran, pilot Colin Bell, who flew in 50 operations over Germany, was also honoured this week with a British Empire Medal. At the age 103, he was the oldest person to be recognised in the New Year.
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, told The Mirror this week he wants to honour the ordinary people who did extraordinary things to secure our freedom by making Britain a country they could be proud of once again. He said: “2025 will be a year to celebrate our country’s history. A chance to come together to commemorate sacrifices made 80 years ago for our way of life today.
“At the core of that sacrifice was ordinary people doing extraordinary things. It was extraordinary bravery that shaped our future and secured our freedom. Mirror readers can know, my government will honour that sacrifice by putting the hard working people of this country at the heart of everything we do.”
An exclusive poll for The Mirror also recently revealed many believe an extra bank holiday would be a fitting way to remember their heroics, as well as the sacrifices of their fallen comrades. In the Mirror poll, 73% backed the move to honour the role played by brave military personnel and civilians on the home front in repelling fascism.
The Royal British Legion is now planning a series of major events to ensure the sacrifices made by those serving during the 1939-45 war are properly memorialised. And it wanted to honour the heroes in person too, so are appealing for veterans or their families to register to be involved in the commemorations.
Speaking to veterans, the Mirror found them all resolutely in support of the Legion’s call to action. D-Day veteran and retired Rear Admiral John Roberts, 100, from Kent, told The Mirror: “We should never forget the human cost of that conflict, not only the ones that died and did not come back but also the ones that were injured and made it home but then had to be looked after, the RBL have done a great job helping them over the years.
“This is why everybody should make sure to to remember all of our comrades in the coming year ahead. 2025 is an important year for my generation, with anniversaries for both VE and VJ Day. It is always an honour being part of a Royal British Legion event, joining with comrades to remember and pay tribute to those we lost. I want to encourage all those who served their country in the Second World War to register on the RBL’s website, to make sure they are involved.”
Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Remembrance at the Royal British Legion, said: “These incredibly poignant occasions marking the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day are now likely to be our last opportunities to come together as a nation with veterans of the Second World War to pay tribute to their bravery and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives.
“Everyone in modern Britain will somehow have a connection to those who experienced the War, either through their family or community heritage. It’s important we mark these anniversaries with commemorations in communities across the UK and with national moments to thank our Armed Forces veterans, without whom the way of life we enjoy today would not have been possible.
“We are inviting all those who served in the Second World War with British and Commonwealth Armed Forces to register with us, so that we can share their wartime experiences and sometimes ‘forgotten stories’ and ensure the significance of their contribution in shaping our world today is always remembered.”
Want to register? Go to the Royal British Legion website for more details
