Prince Harry has shown his support for veterans on VE Day by penning a letter to a website dedicated to helping former service men and women.
In an open missive to the Veterans page on myhealthLondon, the prince speaks of the ‘extraordinary commitment’ shown by those who fought in World War Two. He asks everyone to help former service personnel as they make their way in civilian life.
Prince Harry has expressed his admiration for Army veterans again as the country marks the 70th anniversary of VE Day
Harry’s letter has been published on the 70th anniversary of VE Day, and it shows his ongoing commitment to valuing the service of former soldiers. In it he writes that ‘returning to civilian life can be a challenging process, and we should look to support our veterans in whatever way we can’. And he adds that ‘often, people simply need assistance to be directed to the best place that can help them make that successful transition to civilian life’.
The Veterans page of myhealthLondon includes information on a wide range of issues that affect former service personnel and offers advice on subjects including housing, health and job opportunities. Harry praises it as a ‘fine example’ of how ‘information…can be drawn together to assist London-based ex-service men and women of all ages’.
As the UK marks the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, Harry shows that he is mindful of the huge significance of the event and ends his letter with the words ‘I hope that as celebrations take place, we remember the veterans’ incredible service and continue to provide ways they can live their lives to their fullest and healthiest’.
The prince is spending VE Day in Australia after his month long secondment to the Defence Force there came to an end. Tomorrow he heads to New Zealand where he will carry out a week long tour.
Meanwhile, the Royal Family is attending commemorations in the UK to mark VE Day. The Duke of York, representing The Queen, has laid a wreath at the Cenotaph watched by veterans as well as by the politicians who just hours earlier were dealing with the results of the General Election. Later tonight The Queen will step onto the Long Walk at Windsor Castle to light the first of 250 flames of peace. They will burn in a line of remembrance and hope from the north to the south of the country
There will be three days of events in the UK to mark the seventieth anniversary of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany, the end of World War Two. On Sunday there will be a National Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey which will be attended by The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall as well as other members of the Royal Family.
Prince Harry will be on Stewart Island in New Zealand as his relatives mark this momentous anniversary. And this letter shows his thoughts are with the veterans of that conflict, and many others, as people around the world stop to remember and celebrate a truly special day.
Photo credit: UK in Italy via Flickr
