Remember us, veterans tell public

SECOND World War veterans have issued a rallying cry to the public to remember VE day in a moving open letter.

- By Adam Aspinall

Published today, it urges Britons to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day on Monday, May 5.

The heroes remind readers that "to remember what happened isn't just about honouring the fallen - to remember is also our best hope of avoiding it ever happening again".

Colin Bell, 104, pictured, said: "Remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and remember how it took all of us coming together across classes, religions, nations and races to prevail."

Fellow veteran, Mohammed Hussain, 100, said: "This anniversary provides an opportunity to also recognise and remember those who sacrificed their lives from across Commonwealth countries.