We need you: WW2 veterans urged to register for VE Day and VJ Day events
Second World War veterans are being urged to register for commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day this year.
Major events set to commemorate the anniversaries will centre on the combined efforts of the Allied forces from Britain, the Commonwealth and beyond, the Royal British Legion says.
The charity is asking those who served in World War Two, or their family or carers on their behalf, to register on its website to attend national and local community events.
Victory in Europe (VE) Day took place on 8 May 1945, while Victory over Japan (VJ) Day was on 15 August 1945, effectively ending the war.
'Always an honour'
Retired Rear Admiral John Roberts, a 100-year-old D-Day veteran, said: "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."
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 (NMA) 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 NMA.
'Forgotten stories'
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.
"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," said Philippa Rawlinson, director of remembrance at the charity.
"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," she added.
"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."
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 in other ways.
These include munitions workers, those conscripted back home, from reservist occupations and the Special Operations Executive.
People registered will be informed of commemorative plans and invited to attend local and national events. Registrations can be made on the RBL's website.
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