VJ Day 65th anniversary
15 August 2010
The Japanese surrendered to the Allied Forces on 14 August 1945, and the next day, Wednesday 15 August, was celebrated as VJ (Victory over Japan) Day. Japan formally surrendered on 2 September 1945 at a ceremony in Tokyo Bay on USS Missouri.
Celebrations happened across the UK, and thousands braved the rain to watch King George VI and the Queen drive down the Mall in an open carriage. The Royal Family greeted cheering crowds from the Palace balcony, and Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret mingled with the crowds outside later that day.
On 15 August 1945, to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the end of the war in the Pacific, there will be a number of events and activities across the UK.
London
The MoD will officially mark the 65th anniversary
of Victory over Japan, VJ Day, with a national service of
commemoration at the Cenotaph, London. The service will commence at
3.00pm, and will last for approximately half an hour.
Representatives from the Royal Family, Government and the three
military Services are expected to attend, along with veterans of
the campaign from across the country, and WWII organisations.
This service of commemoration will celebrate the achievements of
the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the Allies in their
victory in the Far East, but will also pay tribute to the 580,406
UK and Commonwealth Forces and 67,073 UK civilians who lost their
lives during six long years of conflict.
Members of the public are welcome to view the service from the
north side of the Cenotaph and there will be an opportunity at the
end to lay wreaths at the Cenotaph.
National Memorial Arboretum
The Malayan Volunteers Group will hold a service of commemoration
at 2.00pm. More details.
Fort Nelson (Royal Armouries), near
Portsmouth
Between 10.00am and 5.00pm, there will be gun firings and
presentations.
The Royal British Legion
VJ Day will be the theme for an issue of The Poppy
e-newsletter which is sent to our supporters and it will
also feature in this year's Annual Festival of Remembrance at the
Royal Albert Hall on 13 November.
Upottery Airfield, Smeatharpe, Devon
On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 August, there will
be an air and classic vehicle event to commemorate the 65th
anniversary of Victory in Europe and Japan, from 10.00am to 5.00pm.
Contact Steve Parsons on 07535 334741 or Dave Steel on 07980 352788
for more information or visit www.southwestairfields.com
