Surviving soldiers thanked for 'securing Europe's freedom'

A 100-YEAR-OLD Royal Air Force veteran began proceedings yesterday as Britain paused to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and honour those who fought during World War II.

- BY DANICA KIRKA

The day featured a procession by 1,300 members of the British armed forces, accompanied by troops from Ukraine and the UK’s NATO allies.

The parade didn’t begin until Alan Kennett, who landed in northern France on D-Day, accepted the salute from Garrison Sgt. Major Andrew Stokes in front of an audience that included British monarch Charles III.

“Thank you and your generation for securing our freedom 80 years ago,” Stokes, in scarlet tunic and bearskin hat, said before saluting the RAF veteran, wearing a navy blue blazer with his medals pinned on the left breast.