75 years have passed since this monumental turning point in history. “Victory in Europe”. Approximately 75 million people lost their lives during the war; this consisted of around 20 million military personnel and 40 million civilians. In the United Kingdom, entire villages lost the majority of their male population, and the impact of human loss on our country alone was to be felt for years to come.

We must never forget the sacrifices made by every single person who supported the wartime effort which led to our country’s victory. From the women who operated the factories to the sailors and soldiers who faced the German rounds and shells. Families who had to say goodbye to their children and the civilians who were killed in their own homes and communities. The list goes on, and we must never, never forget. Every family has its own story of sacrifice and loss, and that must always form a part of the very fabric of our society. 

The war itself affected almost every country in the world, and like us, they still bear the scars today.

This has to be one of this country’s saddest periods in history, but it also generated so much positivity in people along with ingenuity and an abundance of patriotism. I am enormously proud and honoured to have served our country in Her Majesty’s Royal Navy across the world, also playing my part in the recent Afghan War. This country, its people, and its history are all huge sources of pride to me, and I’m honoured that my son has recently completed his training to become part of the Parachute Regiment and do as I did: serve his country. Service of our great nation, our Queen, and our people are truly admirable, and that is why I hold you as a member of our party in great esteem. You have played your part in continuing the fight against the venomous political subversion which never died and unfortunately never will.

UKIP will always be required to ensure our service personnel and veterans are defended and have an all-important voice. UKIP will always honour the memories of those who served both past and present, including those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and laid down their lives so you could live yours. Our respect for those people, their families and friends will never wavier.

We tend to forget all too soon the things we thought we could never forget. Please take a moment this Friday to remember the lives, the sacrifices, the losses and the devastation World War II inflicted on its 75th anniversary.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

Ben Walker

UKIP

Mrjspence at English Wikipedia, VE DAY Piccadily 1945, CC BY-SA 3.0