LONDON, May 8 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
Second World War veteranswilltraveloverseasforcommemorations of the Normandy LandingsandtheBattle of Arnhem,paid forbythe Government.
This commitment ensures that thosewhoserved can attend remembrance ceremoniesinEurope, returning tosites ofprofoundhistoricaland personalimportance.
TheMinistry ofDefence(MOD)willprovide thefundingtothe Royal British Legion,which offers lifelong support and expert advice to the Armed Forces community including serving personnel, veterans, their families and the bereaved.
The Royal British Legion willgivethefunding tocharities such asThe Spirit of Normandy Trust andThe Taxi Charity for Military Veteranstomakethe visits to commemorative eventspossible.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:
VE Day reminds the nation of the importance of coming together to honour those who secured our freedom more than eight decades ago.
Standing at Utah Beach during previous D-Day commemorations, I was struck by the extraordinary courage of those who came ashore in 1944 - young men facing unimaginable danger to secure the freedoms we endure today.
While we can never repay the depth of their service, I am determined to ensure we honour our Second World War veterans and their extraordinary contribution to our freedom.
Thefundingfollows the 2025 publication of a 10-year Veterans Strategyand the Strategic DefenceReview,whichcommittouse a whole-of-society approach to defence and celebrate the contribution of veterans to the community and national security.Thegovernment is investing record levels inveterans, withOffice for Veterans'Affairsin the MODrollingout a new £50msupportsystemcalledVALOUR across theUK.
Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-JonesMPsaid:
We are delivering onourpromisein ourVeterans Strategy, providingvisible supporttothedevotedveterans who have served in our Armed Forces.
This government is renewing the nation's contract with those who serve, and our actionsareguided by thechange that veterans want to see.
I have seen firsthand how important these commemorations are to our veteransand am committed to supporting their continued attendance.
With the number of living Second World War veterans declining, the government recognises the importance of supporting them to pass on their legacy to futuregenerations.
The enduring relationship between the UK anditsArmed Forcesremainsinvaluable andmust be protected.
Thisessential defence fundingenablesveterans toreturn tothe places where they served, honour those who did not come home, and reconnect with their shared history.
From the beaches of Normandy to battlefieldsinEurope, these journeys are a vital act of remembrance.
Richard Palusinski,Chairman, Spirit of Normandy Trustsaid:
Over the many years that I have been taking veterans to Normandy for the annual D-Day commemorations I have come to understand that they make the trip each year not out of any sense of bravado, but to remember those who paid the ultimate price.
As a small charity we have limited ability to raise the necessary funds to ensure a safe and meaningful pilgrimage for the veterans, particularly as they have reached a great age and their needs are more complex. The funding from the Office for VeteransAffairs is vital, enabling us to embark or the pilgrimages with confidence and give the veterans the opportunity to honour their friends.
Steve Baynes, the Royal British Legion's Head of Grants, said:
The freedoms we enjoy today would not have been possible without the courage and sacrifice of the Second World War generation, and as the nation's champion of Remembrance, the RBL is dedicated to ensuring their legacy is always remembered.
We're proud to be working with the Office for Veterans' Affairs to ensure those who served can attend commemorative events across Europe, and delighted to be collaborating with the Spirit of Normandy Trust and the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, whose long-standing experience in organising these deeply meaningful visits is invaluable.
This governmentremainscommitted to supporting veteransemotionally and financiallyas they continue to pay their respectsthrough these annual pilgrimages.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
