On the eve of the 75th anniversary marking the end of World War II, the Guardian posted an editorial piece claiming that Britain ought to “get over the war,” adding: “This is not a time for false pride.” But in the context of VE Day, we owe it to honour the extraordinary stoicism of the wartime generation, and here’s why…

Sisters Gisela Feldman and Sonja Sternberg were teenagers when they fled Nazi Germany on the SS St.Louis destined for Cuba, but were denied entry and forced back to Europe. Now aged 96 and 93, they share their story which led them to the UK, what it means to be recognised in the 2020 New Year’s Honours List, and why they have dedicated their lives to educate others about the Holocaust.