A VETERAN medic of the Iraq War and standard bearer for the British Legion has made a plea for people in Cumbria to get involved in a virtual VE Day parade.

Commemorations of Victory in Europe Day, marking 75 years since the end of the Second World War, are set to take place virtually.

Events were planned to remember those who fought for their country in the Second World War on Friday May 8.

This comes after the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of public events.

One of the commemorative events taking place is a virtual parade, a video made up of picture contributions submitted by servicemen, veterans and cadet corps.

There will also be a minute’s silence and a last post added to the video.

Rod Eglin is a veteran of the Royal Army Medical Corp, county parade marshal and standard bearer for the Cumberland and Westmorland Royal British Legion branch.

He said: “The great thing about it is it’s not just the RBL, it’s any association.

“The VE Day events that were organised have all been cancelled and the sad thing about it is quite a lot of the veterans that would have been there aren’t going to be there for the next one.

“It’s the only way we can pay respects to those people who served. It’s very important.

“Even in these difficult times it is important for use to do this to honor those to whom we owe our freedom.”

The Royal British Legion are asking the nation to get involved in VE Day from home with a moment of Remembrance and a two minute silence at 11am on the Friday.

They added that the moment’s silence will also be a chance to reflect on the lives lost to the coronavirus pandemic.

Chairman of the Royal British Legion Club in Ulverston Norman Bishop-Rowe is welcoming a service ‘with quiet dignity’ at home.

He said: “People can remember at home and it’s important that they do.

“Unfortunately, there won’t be any legion standing outside in May which is quite disappointing especially for myself who had a father who fought in Europe.

“But it is important to still remember this date however we can. You can still have a service at home with quiet dignity.”