Every child in the country is being invited to connect with a World War Two veteran ahead of May's 80th anniversary of VE Day.
The initiative, 'VE Mail', will connect children with surviving World War Two veterans through letter writing.
The programme launches as the nation prepares to mark eight decades since the Allied victory in Europe.
Schools and youth organisations can now sign up to request a personal letter from a participating veteran detailing their wartime experience and what victory means to them.
Children will then be able to write back to the veterans, expressing their gratitude and reflecting on why the sacrifices made 80 years ago remain important today.
The exchange creates a direct link between generations.
WWII veteran Tom Jones said: "80 years ago we were part of something historic; a victory in Europe and in Asia that protected democracy and our country for our whole lifetime."
"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."
Brendan Cox, co-founder of the Together Coalition, said: "From food festivals and street parties on the 5th of May to the formal commemorations and celebrations on the 8th - this VE Day anniversary is going to be a major national moment."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
"VE Mail gives the opportunity for the next generation to hear from the greatest generation in their own words and while they are still with us - we hope millions of school children will take the chance to join in."
Head Teacher Kate Stokes from James Brindley Community Primary School said: "As an educator, I know how vital it is to pass on the lessons of WWII to this generation, helping them understand the values that Tom and his fellow veterans fought to protect."
"Meeting Tom, hearing his story, and taking part in VE Mail has given our students an incredible opportunity to connect with history in a deeply personal way."
VE Mail is being facilitated by the Together Coalition and supported by Royal Mail.
Greg Sage, Director of Corporate Affairs and ESG at Royal Mail, said: "With so many different ways to communicate with each other, the art of letter writing is at risk of being lost."
"We are proud to support this campaign, which not only invites children to discover the charm of letter writing but also educates them about the sacrifices made by those who served in World War Two."
VE Mail is part of a wider national programme of community celebrations to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Monday May, 5.
These include the Great British Food VEstival, led by the Together Coalition.
The initiative aims to bring communities together to mark this historic milestone through shared experiences and remembrance.
Chief of the Scouts, Dwayne Fields, said: "By sharing stories and letters, we're not only honouring these remarkable individuals but also ensuring that their legacy endures and inspires future generations."
Joanna Lumley, advocate for the Gurkha Justice campaign, added: "This is simply a beautiful idea. This might be one of our last opportunities for our youngest generation to hear first hand from surviving veterans."
Find Out More...
The initiative, 'VE Mail', will connect children with surviving World War Two veterans through letter writing.
The programme launches as the nation prepares to mark eight decades since the Allied victory in Europe.
Schools and youth organisations can now sign up to request a personal letter from a participating veteran detailing their wartime experience and what victory means to them.
Children will then be able to write back to the veterans, expressing their gratitude and reflecting on why the sacrifices made 80 years ago remain important today.
The exchange creates a direct link between generations.
WWII veteran Tom Jones said: "80 years ago we were part of something historic; a victory in Europe and in Asia that protected democracy and our country for our whole lifetime."
"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."
Brendan Cox, co-founder of the Together Coalition, said: "From food festivals and street parties on the 5th of May to the formal commemorations and celebrations on the 8th - this VE Day anniversary is going to be a major national moment."
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"VE Mail gives the opportunity for the next generation to hear from the greatest generation in their own words and while they are still with us - we hope millions of school children will take the chance to join in."
Head Teacher Kate Stokes from James Brindley Community Primary School said: "As an educator, I know how vital it is to pass on the lessons of WWII to this generation, helping them understand the values that Tom and his fellow veterans fought to protect."
"Meeting Tom, hearing his story, and taking part in VE Mail has given our students an incredible opportunity to connect with history in a deeply personal way."
VE Mail is being facilitated by the Together Coalition and supported by Royal Mail.
Greg Sage, Director of Corporate Affairs and ESG at Royal Mail, said: "With so many different ways to communicate with each other, the art of letter writing is at risk of being lost."
"We are proud to support this campaign, which not only invites children to discover the charm of letter writing but also educates them about the sacrifices made by those who served in World War Two."
VE Mail is part of a wider national programme of community celebrations to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Monday May, 5.
These include the Great British Food VEstival, led by the Together Coalition.
The initiative aims to bring communities together to mark this historic milestone through shared experiences and remembrance.
Chief of the Scouts, Dwayne Fields, said: "By sharing stories and letters, we're not only honouring these remarkable individuals but also ensuring that their legacy endures and inspires future generations."
Joanna Lumley, advocate for the Gurkha Justice campaign, added: "This is simply a beautiful idea. This might be one of our last opportunities for our youngest generation to hear first hand from surviving veterans."
Find Out More...