The Royal British Legion is preparing to honour 31 Second World War veterans aged 98-104 as part of the 80th anniversary celebrations of VE Day.
These veterans will be positioned alongside members of the Royal Family and Prime Minister Keir Starmer to watch a grand military procession from Parliament to Buckingham Palace.
The commemorations begin today, launching four days of national reflection and celebration marking the surrender of Nazi Germany on May 8, 1945.
Over 1,300 members of the British armed forces will participate in the procession.
Mark Atkinson from the Royal British Legion spoke to GB News about why VE Day commemorations will be so momentous
GB NEWS / PA
Mark Atkinson, Director General of the Royal British Legion, emphasised the significance of the occasion.
"We've spent the last year planning today and the week ahead because this really is one of the last opportunities that we, as a country, have to say 'thank you'," he told GB News.
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Mark Atkinson told Britons VE Day 80 will be one of their final opportunities to thank those who gave so much to ensure today's freedoms
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"We want to pay tribute to the men and women who delivered the freedoms we enjoy today."
Among the veterans is ex-RAF serviceman Henry Ducker, the oldest at 104, who only recently began sharing his wartime experiences beyond his immediate family.
"It's going to be a really special day for the veterans," Atkinson added. "We are very proud to make them the guest of honour today, front and centre."
The events begin with Big Ben chiming at midday, followed by readings from Winston Churchill's historic VE Day address.
Mark Atkinson told Bev Turner and Andrew Pierce that 31 World War Two veterans will be present
GB NEWS
In a symbol of solidarity, Ukrainian armed forces will also join the procession.
The day will culminate in a flypast by vintage military aircraft and the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows, viewed by the royals from the Buckingham Palace balcony.
Following the flypast, King Charles and Queen Camilla will host a special tea for about 50 veterans and wartime survivors inside Buckingham Palace.
The British public is being encouraged to celebrate with street parties across the country.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said this year's anniversary offers "important opportunities for communities to come together".
Bank holiday street parties and barbecues are being organised by the Together Coalition.
The first day of events includes a street party on the surviving warship HMS Belfast.
Landmarks will be lit up to mark the occasion.
The Cenotaph will be draped in Union flags for the first time since it was unveiled by King George IV in 1920.
On VE Day itself, Thursday, a national service of thanksgiving will take place at Westminster Abbey, where Prime Minister Starmer will deliver a reading.
Government buildings will observe a two-minute silence at midday.
Nandy said these commemorations will be an opportunity to "hear our veterans' stories first hand, to reflect and remember, and ensure that their stories of sacrifice and service are remembered for generations to come".
