Second World War heroes given more time to join Britain's VE Day commemorations says Royal British Legion

Bosses at the Royal British Legion have given veterans, both civilian and military, more time to register to join the 75th anniversary commemorations of VE Day.

Taking place on Friday, May 8, the spectacle will see major services held in London and street parties thrown nationwide.

Veterans now joining remembrance events have until Monday, March 2 to sign up. Registration is open to people of British, Commonwealth and Allied origins, with all costs for attendance being met by the Royal British Legion.

A previous date of March 31 for VJ veterans to register for similar event marking the end of the war in Japan has since been scrapped, a spokeswoman for the legion said.

Those who served in this portion of the war, which ended in August 15, 1945, are urged to apply for VE Day commemorations.

MPs across the area have called for as many forces heroes to come forward and join the commemorations.

Stephen 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.

‘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.’

A three-day bank holiday weekend will mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day this year.

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