World War II veterans urged to register for VE Day 80th anniversary events


World War II veterans urged to register for VE Day 80th anniversary events

Victory in Europe (VE) Day happened on May 8, 1945, while Victory over Japan (VJ) Day took place on August 15, 1945, effectively ending the war.

Major events marking the anniversaries will focus on the combined efforts of the Allied Forces, from Britain, the Commonwealth and beyond, the RBL says.

The charity is calling for those who served in the Second World War, or their family or carers on their behalf, to register on its website to join national and local community events.

Last year marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day, with members of the royal family joining politicians and the public at events in Normandy, at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, and around the country.

These included 21 veterans and their families returning to Normandy in June to commemorate the beach landings, and 26 veterans attending the service at the Arboretum.

The RBL is hoping that the nation will come together again for VE Day and VJ Day commemorations in 2025, to pay tribute to those who served in the conflict.

Philippa Rawlinson, director of remembrance at the RBL said: "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."

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Registration for the commemorative events is open to surviving British and Commonwealth armed forces veterans, as well as those who contributed to the war effort.

These include munitions workers, those conscripted back home, from reservist occupations and in the Special Operations Executive.

People registered will be informed of commemorative plans and invited to attend local and national events.

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