The RAF officer prepared to attend the Westminster Abbey service marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day
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Flying Officer Aaron Marshall said he was "full of emotion" as he prepared to attend the Westminster Abbey service marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
The RAF officer, who has served for 12.5 years, told GB News he would be "full of emotion" remembering his grandparents' wartime experiences.
His grandmother served in the Red Cross in London, while his grandfather was a paratrooper who served in the Middle East.
The couple met by chance on Brighton Pier during the war, later reuniting after his grandfather was demobbed.
Flying Officer Aaron Marshall told GB News that he wants to "carry on his parents story"
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He told GB News: "I think it's really important, as you said, that we remember what happened generations ago, so that we’re fortunate enough not to have to go through it ourselves.
"I think the stories that come out of it, particularly from my grandparents, show that you can take something positive from a negative experience and make the most of it."
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He explained: "It’s been a very busy day. I've been privileged to be invited to the service later today at Westminster Abbey.
"It’s going to be full of emotion as I remember my grandparents, the sacrifices they made, and those made by so many others during World War Two. I want to ensure I carry on their story, so that others can remember them."
The service at Westminster Abbey will bring together the King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer to mark this significant milestone.
They will be joined by veterans and other dignitaries to commemorate the sacrifices made during the Second World War.
On May 8, 1945, the nation celebrated Victory in Europe Day as peace was declared after almost six years of fighting against Hitler's Nazi regime.
Church bells rang out across the country as people gathered to celebrate the end of hostilities in Europe.
Crowds famously gathered outside Buckingham Palace, calling for King George VI.
During the service, 10-year-old Alexander Churchill, the great-great-grandson of wartime prime minister Sir Winston Churchill, will light a candle of peace.
The service at Westminster Abbey will bring together the King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer
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Young members of the congregation will hand out white roses to Second World War veterans in attendance. A national two-minute silence will be observed during the ceremony.
Following this, King Charles and Prince William will lay wreaths of seasonal flowers at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.
The King will lay his wreath on behalf of the nation and the Commonwealth.
Prince William will lay his for the veterans and wartime generation, accompanied by 99-year-old Ken Hay, who served in the 4th Dorset infantry regiment.