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Boris Johnson praises WWII veterans in letter to mark VE Day during the coronavirus crisis
Boris Johnson says Britain needs the ‘same spirit of national endeavour’ to defeat coronavirus as Second World War veterans demonstrated to topple Hitler.
The Prime Minister has thanked veterans whose efforts to defeat a ‘ruthless enemy’ would ‘always be remembered’ on the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
In a letter to Second World War veterans, Mr Johnson wrote: ‘On this anniversary, we are engaged in a new struggle against the coronavirus which demands the same spirit of national endeavour that you exemplified 75 years ago.
‘We cannot pay our tribute with the parades and street celebrations we enjoyed in the past; your loved ones may be unable to visit in person.
‘But please allow us, your proud compatriots, to be the first to offer our gratitude, our heartfelt thanks and our solemn pledge: you will always be remembered.’
Boris Johnson (pictured in Westminster Abbey) has thanked veterans whose efforts to defeat a ‘ruthless enemy’ would ‘always be remembered’ on the 75th anniversary of VE Day
Mr Johnson wrote: ‘But please allow us, your proud compatriots, to be the first to offer our gratitude, our heartfelt thanks and our solemn pledge: you will always be remembered’
This VE Day marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe (pictured, blind war veterans clapping for carers outside Blind Veterans UK, East Sussex)
The Prime Minister’s letter comes at a time of division as Tory MPs urge him to lift lockdown restrictions soon to avoid an economic depression while Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warns of a potential second wave of infections.
In his letter, Mr Johnson described those involved in the struggle to defeat Nazism as ‘quite simply the greatest generation of Britons who ever lived’.
He praised those who served on the front line and those involved in the home front effort, adding: ‘Our celebration of the anniversary of the victory might give the impression that Hitler’s downfall was somehow inevitable. You know better.
‘You will remember moments of crisis, even desperation, as our country endured setback, defeat and grievous loss. What made the difference was your valour, fortitude and quiet yet invincible courage.’
VE Day will be marked with small commemorations in Parliament, with Speakers of both the Commons and the Lords expected to offer tributes (pictured, in New York)
Britain announced 539 coronavirus victims on Thursday, as the UK’s official toll rose to 30,615
Mr Johnson wrote: ‘We are engaged in a new struggle against the coronavirus which demands the same spirit of national endeavour that you exemplified 75 years ago’
Tributes to veterans of the world war have come from across the political spectrum, echoing Mr Johnson’s words of gratitude (pictured, a V-shaped victory party in Brockley, London)
Before the coronavirus outbreak, the British government opted to move the early May bank holiday – usually held on the first Monday of the month – to May 8 to allow the UK to mark the 75th anniversary of the 1945 Victory in Europe celebrations.
But the ban on mass events, brought in on March 23 to stem the spread of the virus, means the celebrations will be more low-key than initially anticipated.
The Conservative Party leader labelled the NHS ‘invincible’ in its fight against Covid-19 in a speech following his own release from intensive care last month, having suffered from coronavirus symptoms.
Tributes to veterans of the world war have come from across the political spectrum, echoing Mr Johnson’s words of gratitude.
The Prime Minister praised those who served on the front line and those involved in the home front effort, adding: ‘Our celebration of the anniversary of the victory might give the impression that Hitler’s downfall was somehow inevitable. You know better’
The ban on mass events means the celebrations will be more low-key than initially anticipated (pictured, 94-year-old Doug Farrington in his front room window in Oldham)
The Prime Minister described those involved in the struggle to defeat Nazism as ‘quite simply the greatest generation of Britons who ever lived’ (pictured, 1945 queuing for rations)
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, in a video message to be released today, will highlight the legacy of ‘those that rebuilt and renewed our country after the war’.
He will single out the NHS, the welfare state and the ‘recognition of human rights’.
‘In normal times we would be paying tribute to their achievements in street parties, in gatherings and events at the Cenotaph,’ he will say.
‘This year we can’t do that, this year we can’t be together. We commemorate those who stood together for a better future.
‘We remember their service, and also their sacrifice.
‘We also pay tribute to those that rebuilt and renewed our country after the war. Based on their values they built a better future.’
Sir Ed Davey, acting Liberal Democrat leader, said: ‘This anniversary we must honour the sacrifices made and recommit to ensuring that international cooperation and hard-won peace across Europe is protected so that we may never suffer the death and destruction of World War Two again.’
Sir Keir Starmer will highlight the legacy of ‘those that rebuilt and renewed our country after the war’ (pictured, injured musicians dancing in London to celebrate VE Day)
The Conservative Party leader labelled the NHS ‘invincible’ in its fight against Covid-19 in a speech following his own release from intensive care last month
VE Day will be marked with small commemorations in Parliament, with Speakers of both the Commons and the Lords expected to offer tributes.
They will be followed by a wreath laying service in Westminster Hall, led by the Speaker’s Chaplain to coincide with the two minutes’ silence at 11am.
A trumpeter from the Band of the Scots Guard will sound the Last Post.
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle is due to read extracts from a speech given by Winston Churchill in the Commons on May 8, 1945, in which he announced the surrender of Germany, bringing the Second World War to an end in Europe.
In the evening, the Queen will deliver a personal address from Windsor Castle.
It will be broadcast on television at 9pm, the same time her father, King George VI, gave a radio address in 1945 to mark the cessation of hostilities on the continent.
Source: Daily Mail
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