Malmesbury will come together on Friday 15th August to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day – the date Japan announced its surrender in 1945, bringing the Second World War to a close.
The commemorations will be led by Mayor Councillor Stephen James, a recently appointed civic figure with over four decades of service in the Royal Artillery. From Germany to Iraq, Colonel (Ret’d) James brings with him a deep understanding of military service and the importance of remembrance.
Victory over Japan Day – or VJ Day – often receives less attention than VE Day. Yet for thousands who served in the Far East, it represented the true conclusion of global conflict. Following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and Russia’s declaration of war against Japan, the Emperor’s surrender was broadcast across Japanese radio on 15th August 1945. While the formal signing occurred weeks later on 2nd September, it was this date that brought long-awaited relief to millions.
Councillor James said: “It’s important as a community that we mark a day like this and remember those who gave their service and many their lives so that we live in freedom today. We welcome anyone who wants to be part of our activities to honour those people.”
He is particularly determined to shine a light on those who fought in what became known as “the forgotten war.”
“The Far East campaign tends to be overlooked. Remote from the experience of most people at home and often sidelined in the contemporary press, it became known as the forgotten war, fought by a forgotten army. We must not forget how important these armed forces were in ending the war,” he added.
The day’s events begin at 3:30pm with a commemorative service at Malmesbury Abbey, followed by refreshments. Later, from 7:30pm, a civic reception will take place for invited guests at Malmesbury Town Hall.
At 8:00pm, Cuckingstool Mead opens to the public, where the Rose and Crown will provide a bar and barbecue for all attending. Then, at 9:10pm, Cllr James will deliver his Mayoral address, accompanied by prayers from Reverend Oliver Ross, the Mayor’s Chaplain.
Finally, at 9:15pm, the town will light its VJ Day beacon, joining communities across the country in a symbolic act of remembrance.
Cllr James concluded, “On VJ Day we will remember the 120,000 British and Commonwealth servicemen and women who gave their lives in the longest continuous land campaign of the war, at sea and in the air.”
For full details, visit: www.malmesbury.gov.uk
Photo Credit: Barbara Leatham
