It is often easy to take our democratic system and values for granted. However, a look to other parts of the world provide a reminder of how important it is that we appreciate the freedoms we have.
None of which, of course, would be possible without our Armed Forces who keep us safe. Our nation has perhaps never been more threatened than during the Second World War, which resulted in Victory in Europe almost 75 years ago.
On 8th May 2020, the 75th anniversary of VE Day, events will take place across the UK to commemorate the Allied Victory in Europe and give thanks to the Second World War generation and the sacrifices they made securing peace across the continent.
I join the Prime Minister in backing the Royal British Legion’s search for people from this generation who will rightly take centre stage at the commemorations in London, which will culminate in a procession down the Mall.
Applications are open until 2nd March via the Royal British Legion’s website. I urge veterans in Crawley to look into signing up, as our nation says thank you, three quarters of a century after the end of the war.
Further details of the programme to commemorate Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) on 15th August will be announced in due course. It is right that we use these moments of celebration to remember their sacrifice and show our gratitude.
Henry Smith MP
Crawley Constituency
House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
01293 934554/020 7219 7043
henry.smith.mp@parliament.uk
www.henrysmith.info