For many heroes this was the final chance to travel in remembrance

THE Daily Express launched the Respect Our War Heroes crusade on March 22 to ensure men and women from the greatest generation could make one last salute as the world stops to commemorate VE Day.

- Giles Sheldrick

The anniversary on May 8 marks 80 years since the end of World War Two in Europe. This is a particularly poignant landmark sandwiched between two significant dates.

The Dutch celebrate the 80th anniversary of their liberation from Nazi occupation on May 5, a celebration where returning British veterans are treated like heroes, while the 81st anniversary of D-Day is on June 6.

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For many veterans, these events are indelibly marked in their diaries.

For most, this year will be their last chance to attend.