Several veterans have said that the adverse weather, which has halted the "Little Ships" returning from Dunkirk, would not have slowed the boats from 80 years ago, who instead had to deal with "the chaos of a war zone".
Veteran Alan Baxter from Veteran for Veterans discussed with GB News how bad weather would not have stopped the wartime heroes of 85 years ago, stating that it "would have been seen as just another obstacle" for them.
Marking the 85th anniversary of the Dunkirk evacuation, a fleet of 66 boats set sail from Ramsgate to Dunkirk; however, they have since been left in France, waiting for the weather to clear.
Baxter said: "Many of those who set out for Dunkirk during Operation Dynamo knew they were facing not only difficult seas but also enemy aircraft, mines, and the chaos of a warzone."
The veterans commended the bravery shown by those who rescued the soldiers
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The veteran praised the sense of camaraderie they found while crossing the channel in such devastating circumstances and saving 338,000 men.
He explained: "What drove those civilians and naval personnel wasn't convenience or comfort; it was a sense of duty, urgency, and sheer moral courage.
"That they pressed on in spite of the elements only deepens the sense of national determination and selflessness behind the rescue effort.
"It's one of the clearest examples in our history of ordinary people doing something truly extraordinary."
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Another veteran, Paul Haddock, highlighted the importance of remembering the Dunkirk story, stating that it is "not just a military story, but a national and human one".
Haddock said: "It tells us what we're capable of in the face of overwhelming adversity. Remembering it helps us understand who we are and what values we should continue to defend."
The veteran explained that "there is a concern that younger generations are becoming distanced from these pivotal moments".
Haddock stated: "It's through no fault of their own. It's partly due to the natural passage of time, but also because the way we teach and talk about history has changed. We need to find better ways to connect young people to these stories, not just as facts in a textbook, but as living, human experiences that still resonate today."
The 'little ships' are scheduled to return on Saturday, May 31
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The veterans would like to see more done to commemorate our fallen soldiers so future generations do not forget the past.
Veteran Rick Spence told GB News: "Commemorations often come and go quickly in the news cycle, and many people aren't aware they're happening unless they actively seek them out.
"We need to make history more visible and accessible, through schools, media, community projects, and cultural events. And we should highlight the personal stories, not just the dates and numbers."
This month has seen commemorations across the country to mark 80 years since VE Day, with planned celebrations for the 81st anniversary of D-Day scheduled for June 6.
A spokesman for the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships (ADLS) said the remaining ships are expected to sail on Saturday, May 31.
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