WW2 veterans urge nation to come together and remember as VE Day 80 approaches

Ten surviving veterans of the Second World War have invited people to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day - and urged them to remember why the war was fought.

Their message was delivered in an open letter ahead of the VE Day 80 commemorations that will take place on bank holiday Monday on 5 May.

The letter has received the backing of a number of public figures including Stephen Fry, Dame Kelly Holmes, Paul Hollywood and Bear Grylls.

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They are encouraging every street, school and community to come together for VE Day 80 through food, remembrance and connection.

The letter says:

"Almost 80 years ago, something remarkable happened.

"It was the culmination of years of sacrifice, collective action and hardship. Together with our allies around the world and across the Commonwealth, we defeated the scourge of fascism and defended our country, our democracy and our way of life.

"Few of us who fought in that war are still with us today. But those of us who are ask only one thing.

"That you remember.

"Remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

"Remember the danger of authoritarianism and fascism.

"Remember how it took all of us coming together across classes, religions, nations and races to prevail.

"Remember that peace and democracy don't just happen, they need to be maintained.

"So please join us in celebrating this VE Day and VJ Day later this summer.

"Please join in community celebrations on the 5th of May, the ongoing work in schools and the formal commemorations on the 8th of May.

"But however you take part – please take a moment to remember as well.

"To remember what happened isn't just about honouring the fallen – to remember is also our best hope of avoiding it ever happening again."

The Second World War veterans who signed the open letter are:

:: Flight Lieutenant Colin Bell, who served in the Royal Air Force and flew the Mosquito

:: WRN Jean Rees, who served in the US Navy 

:: Colonel Joe Peterburs, who served in the US Army Air Force and flew the P-51 Mustang

:: Commando John Eskdale, who served in the Royal Marines

:: D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersch, who served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps and landed on the Normandy coast on D-Day+4

:: Corporal Mirza Khan, who served in the British Indian Army

:: Sergeant Mohammad Hussain, who served in the British Indian Army

:: Sergeant Major Rajindar Singh Dhatt, who served in the British Indian Army

:: Sergeant Ruth Brook Klauber, who served in the Royal Air Force as a mechanic

:: Bombardier Tom Jones, who served in the Royal Artillery at Liverpool Docks and in Burma

Mr Bell said: "Remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and remember how it took all of us coming together across classes, religions, races and nations to prevail."

And Mr Hussain added: "This anniversary provides an opportunity to also recognise and remember those who sacrificed their lives from across Commonwealth countries.

"I hope future generations look back at our collective pursuit of peace and build on our shared values to create a better world for everyone." 

You can find out how you can get involved  in the VE Day 80 commemorations here.