article_snippet: The wartime singer – who will be 98 on Friday – is to be included in events to commemorate seven decades since the end of the Second World War in Europe on May 8.
article_snippet: Ministers will today announce a three-day spectacular, including wartime-themed parties, the lighting of a chain of beacons, a veterans’ parade, an RAF fly-past and a 1940s-themed celebrity pop concert.
article_snippet: which start the day after the Election – because it is likely to be the last major anniversary to fall during the lifetime of Second World War participants.
article_snippet: Under the plans, a service of remembrance will be held at The Cenotaph on VE Day itself, including a two-minute silence at 3pm marking the moment Winston Churchill announced the end of the war.
article_snippet: Schools will hold VE Day-themed assemblies or tea parties, and during the evening a chain of over 100 flaming beacons will be lit across the UK.
article_snippet: On Saturday May 9, cathedrals will ring their bells in celebration and a 1940s-themed concert will be held at London’s Horse Guards Parade.
article_snippet: The concert, to be broadcast live on BBC1, is expected to feature many of the stars who appeared in a similar 60th anniversary VE Day concert, such as the singers Katie Melua and Katherine Jenkins.
article_snippet: May 10 will be marked by a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, followed by a veterans’ parade which will pass along Whitehall and under the HM Treasury balcony where Winston Churchill appeared before VE Day crowds.
article_snippet: Couples celebrate VE Day - which marked the formal conclusion of Hitler's war  - in Trafalgar Square in 1945 .
article_snippet: A reception for 2,000 veterans will be hosted by the Royal British Legion in St James’s Park, coinciding with a fly-past by a Hurricane, Spitfire and Lancaster.
article_snippet: Dame Vera boosted the troops’ morale by performing songs including We’ll
article_snippet: The White Cliffs of Dover at concerts in Egypt, India and Burma.
article_snippet: Last night, Dame Vera said: ‘I am sorry I will not be able to celebrate the 70th anniversary of VE Day in London in person, but my thoughts are with all who take part.
article_snippet: We must always remember those who fought and all those who gave their lives on We behalf.
highlights_snippet: Wartime sweetheart will join events to mark 70th anniversary of VE Day .
  
highlights_snippet: We'll Meet Again singer likely to offer written statement or video message .
  
highlights_snippet: Event will include RAF fly-past, veterans' parade and a 1940s pop concert .