Open letter

10 Second World War veterans. One powerful letter.

10 surviving Second World War veterans have released an open letter to the nation, inviting people to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on Monday 5th May. 

The letter is also backed and read by a remarkable group of veterans and public figures including Stephen Fry, Dame Kelly Holmes, Paul Hollywood and Bear Grylls, encouraging every street, school and community to come together for VE Day through food, remembrance and connection.

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

The open letter

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 5th of May, the ongoing work in schools and the formal commemorations on the 8th 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.

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.
Colin Bell, 104 year old, Second World War veteran
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 world for everyone.
Mohammed Hussain, 99 year old, Second World War veteran
Celebrating VE Day honours 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.
Sheli McCoy, also known as Gladiator’s Sabre, Scottish entrepreneur and athlete

The video

A letter signed by 10 Second World War veterans, read by people from across the UK. Shared to honour the past, and to reflect, celebrate, and connect together this VE Day 80.

The veterans

The Second World War veterans who signed the open letter are:

  • Flight Lieutenant, Colin Bell – served in the Royal Airforce as a Mosquito Bomber Pilot
  • WRN, Jean Rees – served in the US Navy 
  • Colonel, Joe Peterburs – served in the US Army Airforce as a P-51 Mustang American fighter pilot 
  • Commando, John Eskdale – served in the Royal Marines 
  • D-Day veteran, Mervyn Kersch – served in the Ordnance Corps and landed on the Normandy coast on D-Day+4
  • Corporal, Mirza Khan – served in the British – Indian Army
  • Sergeant, Mohammad Hussain – served in the British – Indian Army
  • Sergeant Major, Rajindar Singh Dhatt – served in the British – Indian Army 
  • Sergeant, Ruth Brook Klauber – served in the Royal Airforce as a mechanic
  • Bombardier, Tom Jones – served in the Royal Artillery, at the Liverpool Docks and in Burma
Find out how you can get involved in VE Day celebrations on Monday 5th May
Department for Culture, Media and Sport

The VE Day community celebrations are led by The /together Coalition as part of the UK Government’s national programme to commemorate the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day, led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Other key partners of the programme include Royal British Legion, Ministry of Defence and Imperial War Museums.