Britons are being urged to take part in celebrations for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day this May, as it “might be our last chance to thank” surviving veterans.
The occasion marks the day the Second World War ended in Europe – 8 May 1945 – when the Allies accepted the surrender of Nazi Germany.
Launching a countdown to the 80th-anniversary celebrations, EastEnders star Ross Kemp and Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes visited Hermitage Primary School in Tower Hamlets, east London.
Read more: How the world celebrated the end of WWII in Europe
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After discussing VE Day and sharing food with the pupils, the actor said that the anniversary “marks a major moment in our history – when Britain helped defeat the forces of fascism and protect our democracy”.
He added: “Taking part is an opportunity for us all to honour those who sacrificed so much, to reconnect with our neighbours and communities, and to remember the values that underpinned the victory.
“They matter as much today as they did then. This might be our last chance to thank the surviving veterans – so we should celebrate them in style.”
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Dame Kelly also said: “Moments like this matter, they bring us together as a country and remind us of the freedoms we sometimes take for granted.
“They also give us an opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the victory from the UK and across the Commonwealth.”
For this year’s anniversary, community celebrations will be led by the Together Coalition, a group of businesses and individuals which are planning the Great British Food Festival on 5 May.
On that bank holiday Monday, street parties and picnics will also be held across the country in tribute to the celebrations that broke out 80 years ago.
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Thousands flooded the streets at the tie to celebrate after Sir Winston Churchill announced Germany’s “unconditional surrender”, ending six devastating years of war.
There will also be a VE Day Schools Challenge, where the Together Coalition and the Royal British Legion are asking pupils to learn about the significance of the anniversary.
