London this year will play host to a number of major activities during Veterans Awareness Week, between the 4th and 10th of July, to entertain and educate people of all ages about the huge contribution that people made during the Second World War. The week is the first of its kind and is designed to raise awareness of the contribution made by veterans of all conflicts in which the UK has been involved. Click here to see a map and directions to all of these events.

What’s On

Buckingham Palace as it has Never Been Seen Before

A 20 minute series of images will be projected onto the front of Buckingham Palace at night, telling the story of Britain at War. This dramatic show will be performed several times each night, from 2100 onwards.

The Living Museum

Prepare to be taken back in time in St. James Park all throughout the week, with a series of exhibitions, displays and re-enactments to capture the essence of wartime life from a British perspective. From a Spitfire scramble re-enactment to a Land Army recreation, many aspects of wartime life will be represented. Ideal for all ages, the museum is supported by Service museums, WWII museums and the Imperial War Museum.

Open to the general public and schools from 4th �?9th of July, entrance is free.

The Veterans Welcome Centre

World War II veterans can rest and socialise during the celebrations at the Veterans Welcome Centre, adjacent to the Living Museum. Carrying a wartime theme, this facility will provide rest areas, licensed bars, refreshment facilities and food outlets. The reception will also provide a reception facility for WWII organisations for use during afternoons and evenings.

HM The Queen Unveils Memorial to Women of WWII �?9th July 2005

This new monument will pay tribute to those in the services, including the brave women sent behind German lines as part of the undercover Special Operations Executive, as well as those on the home front. HM The Queen will unveil the National Memorial to the Women of WW2 in Whitehall on July 9th. For more details on the project visit the website www.womenswarmemorial.org.

An Exhibition of World War 2 Art

WWII art, bronzes, silverware and items of historic interest not usually available for public viewing will be displayed in The Banqueting House in Whitehall. Items are sourced from within Ministry of Defence and military establishments across the country.

Open to the general public from 8th July through to the 8th of August, entrance is free.