Defence Secretary John Healey has warned that "freedom is not free" in response to a concerning poll showing a significant decline in awareness of VE Day among younger generations.
The statement comes as new research commissioned by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, reveals that six in ten members of Generation Z have never heard of VE Day.
The poll, conducted by Censuswide, also found that 51 per cent of people across the UK don't know what VE Day represents.
Healey said: "We ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten, and that the lessons are learned by remembering what they gave fighting for our freedom and for the future of our country.
Defence Secretary John Healey shared his plans for helping Gen Z remember
GB NEWS
"We must also recognise that freedom is not free, and that once again, there is war in Europe.
"That is why Britain, both in public and in Parliament, is standing firmly behind Ukraine.
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"But I don’t recognise the characterisation of young people that’s often made.
"Over the past decade, a million young people have applied to join the armed forces.
"Unfortunately, three-quarters of them gave up on their applications before they were either recruited or rejected.
"That’s why we’re overhauling the recruitment system to ensure our armed forces get the talent they need for the future."
The research shows that just under half of the population know that VE Day marks Victory in Europe in World War Two.
Just over one in ten people mistakenly believe it commemorates a World War One event.
Despite the concerning poll results, approximately 20 million people in Britain will attend some form of VE Day event, according to SSAFA's research.
Gen Z and Millennials are the most likely to celebrate, with 42 per cent and 53 per cent, respectively, planning to attend events.
The research shows that just under half of the population know that VE Day marks Victory in Europe in World War Two
PASir Simon Bollom, National Chair at SSAFA, echoed the need for collective action, saying: "We must work collectively, as a society, to address declining awareness of their sacrifices amongst younger generations."
Regionally, Yorkshire and the Humber shows the strongest understanding of what VE Day is, with 55 per cent of residents knowing its significance.
Norwich has the highest awareness across the UK, with 87 per cent of residents having heard of the day.
