VE Day 2025: Veterans and celebs issue moving rallying cry for public to celebrate

World War Two veterans have issued a rallying cry to the public to remember next month in a moving open letter. The letter, published today, urges Brits to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory Europe (VE) Day on Monday 5 May.

The letter comes two weeks ahead of the anniversary, with the veterans reminding readers that “to remember what happened isn’t just about honouring the fallen – to remember is also our best hope of avoiding it ever happening again.” As part of the commemorations, communities across the UK are being invited to participate in the Great British Food Festival on the May at a street party, a picnic in the park, a BBQ or by joining a local community event.

veteran, Colin Bell, 104 said: “Remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and remember how it took all of us coming together across classes, religions, nations and races to prevail.”

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

Fellow veteran, Mohammed Hussain, said: “This anniversary provides an opportunity to also recognise and remember those who sacrificed their lives from across Commonwealth countries. I hope future generations look back on our collective pursuit of peace and build on our shared values to create a better for everyone.”

The full letter, signed by ten veterans from the conflict, reads: 'Almost 80 years ago, something remarkable happened. It was the culmination of years of sacrifice, collective action and hardship. Together with our allies around the world and across the Commonwealth, we defeated the scourge of fascism and defended our country, our democracy and our way of life.

'Few of us who fought in that war are still with us today. But those of us who are ask only one thing. That you remember. Remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Remember the danger of authoritarianism and fascism. Remember how it took all of us coming together across classes, religions, nations and races to prevail.

'Remember that peace and democracy don’t just happen, they need to be maintained. So please join us in celebrating this VE Day and VJ Day later this summer. Please join in community celebrations on the 5 th of May, the ongoing work in schools and the formal commemorations on the 8 th of May. But however you take part – please take a moment to remember as well.

'To remember what happened isn’t just about honouring the fallen – to remember is also our best hope of avoiding it ever happening again.'

Celebrities are also backing the open letter and have joined the Second World War veterans in reading the open-letter. TV star and businesswoman, Deborah Meaden, said: “Every business has a story to tell, whether through local ties, historical involvement, support for veterans, or being from a sector that played its part in the war effort.

“Businesses will play a key part in the 80th anniversary commemorations by bringing together communities, customers, clients and their employees to demonstrate the reasons why it mattered then, matters now, and into the future.”

The /Together Coalition also launched the VE Mail initiative to create lasting connections between children and the few remaining Second World War veterans. So far, more than 800 schools and youth organisations, the equivalent of nearly 30,000 children, have signed up to VE Mail which will ensure that our veterans’ legacies live on.

Writer, Stephen Fry, added: “Let our Second World War veterans know how highly you value them and how we are all thinking of them with pride and gratitude as this great anniversary comes round.”

Scottish entrepreneur and athlete Sheli McCoy, also known as Gladiator’s Sabre, said: “Celebrating VE Day honors our Second World War veterans’ resilience and ensures that their stories are passed on to future generations. It’s such a wonderful opportunity to bridge the gap between their generation and ours, fostering understanding, respect, and gratitude for the sacrifices made to benefit us all today.”

The community celebrations are led by the /Together Coalition as part of the UK Government’s national programme to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day, led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Advocate for the Gurkha Justice campaign, Joanna Lumley, said: “This might be one of our last opportunities for our youngest generation to hear first hand from surviving veterans and is a chance to ensure we don’t forget those stories.”

After meeting 103 year old Second World War veteran, Tom Jones, the head teacher of James Brindley Community Primary School, Kate Stokes, said: “Meeting Tom, hearing his story, and taking part in VE-Mail has given our students an incredible opportunity to connect with history in a deeply personal way.”

Co-Founder of the /Together Coalition, Brendan Cox, said: “With less than a month to go until VE Day, we hope millions of school children will take the chance to join in the VE Mail initiative to hear directly from the greatest generation while they are still with us.”

Schools and youth organisations can register for VE Mail through the /Together Coalition . They will then be connected with a WWII veteran who will share their stories in a letter.

Schools will receive a personalised letter and a VE Mail resource pack created by /Together, containing learning resources and guidance on how to participate in VE Mail. The students will then have the chance to write back to the Veterans, a summary of the responses received will be shared with the veterans.