Portsmouth calls for Second World War veterans to join VE and VJ Day commemorations

HEROES of the Second World War are being called to come forward and sign up to events commemorating the anniversary of the conflict’s end.
By Tom Cotterill
Published 7th Feb 2020, 14:36 BST
Updated 7th Feb 2020, 16:52 BST

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The Royal British Legion has issued a rallying cry to veterans, both civilian and military, to register to join the 75th anniversary events of VE and VJ Day this year.

Taking place on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, August 15, respectively, the commemorations will mark both the war’s end in Europe and Japan in 1945.

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Veterans joining the remembrance events can be of British, Commonwealth or Allied origin and all costs for their attendance will be met by The Royal British Legion and its partners.

The late John Jenkins receives a standing ovation during the D-Day 75 commemoration on Southsea Common last year. . Picture: Chris Moorhouse (050619-42)The late John Jenkins receives a standing ovation during the D-Day 75 commemoration on Southsea Common last year. . Picture: Chris Moorhouse (050619-42)
The late John Jenkins receives a standing ovation during the D-Day 75 commemoration on Southsea Common last year. . Picture: Chris Moorhouse (050619-42)
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However, war heroes have until Monday, February 17 to register for May’s VE Day remembrance event and Tuesday, March 31 for summer’s VJ Day.

And with the deadline looming, Portsmouth’s two MPs Penny Mordaunt and Stephen Morgan, have joined forces to encourage as many Second World War veterans to sign up.

Mr Morgan, Labour’s shadow defence minister and Portsmouth South MP, said veterans would be ‘central’ to both events and added: ‘Victory in Europe Day and Victory over Japan Day will forever be milestones in the history of this nation.

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‘As we approach the 75th anniversaries for these most significant days, it is essential that we reflect and remember the unfathomable achievements of those who sacrificed so much.’

Former defence secretary Penny Mordaunt said the nation owed all those who served during the war a huge debt of gratitude.

She added: ‘The deadline for registration is looming and I am keen that as many people who want to be involved get registered, so they get all the information they need to be part of these important events. For the rest of us it will be another chance to say thank you for all that generation did.’

The traditional May bank holiday has been moved back four days to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

The holiday will form part of a three-day weekend of commemorative events toasting Second World War veterans.

To register, see britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance/remembrance-events

Related topics:Stephen MorganVeteransPortsmouthPenny MordauntRoyal British LegionJapanEuropeMPs

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