 The 500-square-metre flag will be draped over the White Cliffs |
A giant flag will fly at Dover's White Cliffs, as the Royal British Legion launches a campaign to mark 60 years since the end of World War II. The 500-square-metre flag shows a V for victory in the colours of the Union flag, with the word "Thanks" on it.
The event opens the Legion's "Nation's Biggest Thank-You" campaign, leading up to the official celebrations of the 60th anniversary on 10 July.
It says this year could be the last "big" chance to thank war veterans.
Private Johnson Beharry, the first living recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC) in 35 years, will be on HMS Albion off the coast of Dover to watch the event.
The Legion has also produced a "party pack" full of material to help people show their support and raise funds for the organisation.
It includes specially designed bunting, lapel badges, banners, posters and stickers. A collecting box is also included.
The badges will also be on sale in retailers for a suggested donation of �2.
The Legion said 265 schools and 4,000 pubs from across the country had already requested a party pack.
The Legion is asking people to write a message of gratitude on the back of the bunting and return it with a donation.
They will then be strung together and displayed in Trafalgar Square on 10 July, the official date for 60th anniversary celebrations.
The war in Europe ended on 8 May, 1945, while the war in the Pacific ended on 15 August of that year.
 Pte Beharry won the Victoria Cross last year |
Pte Beharry, who was awarded his VC for his service in Iraq, said: "Having been in conflict myself, I know the sacrifices thousands of men and women made for our freedom and I am proud and delighted to take part in the 'Nation's Biggest Thank You'." Brigadier Ian Townsend, the Royal British Legion secretary general, said: "Whether in the jungle in Burma, on the beaches of Normandy or in a munitions factory in Manchester, everyone was indispensable to the success of the war effort.
"Every single person deserves our wholehearted gratitude."
The Legion said it received 300,000 calls for help every year and spent �54m a year assisting veterans.
It said 11 million people across Britain are eligible for its support.
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Every single person deserves our wholehearted gratitude
