Luke Pollard MP Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
- Luke calls for WW2 veterans to come forward to mark 75th anniversary
- Luke backs calls by the Royal British Legion to mark VE and VJ days with military and civilian veterans coming forward
- VJ Day must carry same weight as VE Day, Luke says as 75th anniversary nears
This could be the last major anniversary of the ending of WW2 with veterans who served able to take part.
Luke Pollard has today issued a call for veterans of the Second World War to register with the Royal British Legion so their service in the war can be recognised in ceremonies to mark VE and VJ Days later this year.
To mark the 75th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day, on the 8th May and 15th August respectively, veterans of the Second World War, both military and civilian, are being asked to register to be part of the nation’s commemorations.
Veterans 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.
Luke said:
“Our nation owes an enormous debt of gratitude to all those who served in the Second World War. The 75th anniversary could be the last major anniversary where veterans are able to participate due to the time that has passed. I want to see VE and VJ days marked in Plymouth and I know the City Council has plans to do just that. I also know that our city will want to pay our respects to those who served in uniform and in civilian capacities during the war. I am backing calls for veterans of the Second World War to come forward and register with the Royal British Legion either online or by popping into their shop in the city centre.
I want to see VE and VJ Days marked in Plymouth so no veteran who served in the Second World War is overlooked and everyone’s contributions to the war effort are valued.”
Further information can be found here . Registration closes for VE Day veterans on 17 February and for VJ Day veterans on 31 March.