Children across the country are being invited to write to a WWII veteran ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day – the pioneering project called ‘VE Mail’ aims to build a bond between our war heroes and the youth of today
Children across the country are being invited to write to a WWII veteran ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The pioneering project called ‘VE Mail’ aims to build a bond between our war heroes and the youth of today.
Schools and youth organisations will be able to request a personal letter from a veteran. They will describe their wartime experience and what the victory means to them eight decades on from the end of World War II. Children will then be able to write back to express their gratitude and ensure that the sacrifice of the war generation is never forgotten.
Tom Jones, 103, visited James Brindley Community Primary School in his native Manchester this week to kick start the project. He took along a Morse code machine and demonstrated how it worked. And he shared cherished photos of his childhood sweetheart and late wife of almost 67 years Eileen; her love was his guiding light in the darkest days of the conflict.
“Eighty years ago we were part of something historic,” recalled Tom, of Walkden, Manchester, who has a Burma Star, two stripes, a Royal artillery badge and a VET badge to his name. “Victory in Europe and in Asia protected democracy and our country for our whole lifetime. The victory meant the world to us at the time, but the values are as relevant today as they were then.
“With fewer surviving veterans still with us, we hope VE-Mail will be a major opportunity to pass the baton of memory and of meaning to the next generation.” The children who took part in his lesson are writing letters to explain why his legacy will live on.
Their head teacher Kate Stokes said: “Meeting Tom, taking part in VE Mail has given our students an incredible opportunity to connect with history in a deeply personal way. Tom’s letter brings the past to life, creating a direct and meaningful link between our children and those to whom we owe so much.
“As they write their letters in return, they reflect on the sacrifices made and express their gratitude, an incredibly powerful and moving experience that will stay with them for years to come.” The idea is being backed by a host of celebrities, including advocate for the Gurkha Justice campaign, Dame Joanna Lumley, 78. “This is simply a beautiful idea,” she said.
“This might be one of our last opportunities for our youngest generation to hear first hand from surviving veterans. I know from my work with the Gurkhas how many people played a role in our collective victory and how diverse those contributions were. This is a chance to ensure we don’t forget those stories.”
Writer Stephen Fry, 67, added: “The extraordinary men and women who fought during the Second World War couldn’t know us, we hadn’t been born. But it was for us that they risked their lives and endured the suffering and hardship of the war. Let them know how highly you value them and how we are all thinking of them with pride and gratitude as this great anniversary comes round.” The project is the brainchild of Brendan Cox, co-founder of the /Together Coalition. He said: “From food festivals and street parties on May 5, to the formal commemorations and celebrations on the 8th, this VE Day is going to be a major national moment. “VE Mail gives the opportunity for the next generation to hear from the greatest generation, while they are still with us. We hope millions of school children will take the chance to join in.”
VE Mail is being supported by Royal Mail, with volunteers working to help answer the letters sent to the veterans. Five are taking part in the early stages of the project; all of them are more than 100 years old.
