Mayor marks VJ Day

Today is the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, known as VJ Day (Victory in Japan Day).

Later today, the Mayoral Combined Authority will join government buildings across the country in holding a two-minute silence at 12 noon.

Helen Godwin, the Mayor of the West of England, said:

“The 80^th anniversary of VJ Day is another opportunity to reflect on the dedicated service of our armed forces, past and present. We are forever indebted to the bravery of my grandparents’ generation, especially to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, in Asia and around the world, fighting for freedom.

Image - WEMCA

“Among the many poignant sites of remembrance across the West, Bath Abbey and Royal Victoria Park are home to memorials commemorating former Far East Prisoners of War. The same is true in Bristol. City Hall includes tributes to the Burma Campaign and a plaque near the Bristol Cenotaph remembers the Forgotten Army, made up of units from across the Commonwealth. Many of those held died either because of the torturous conditions of captivity or dangerous enforced labour, with many survivors unable to return home until long after the end of the war.

“We should also mark the anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which took place 80 years ago last week. Castle Park’s Peace Grove sees 25 Japanese Cherry trees planted, alongside the Silver Birch trees remembering those who landed on the beaches at Normandy.

“It’s a time once again to think of all those serving our country now. People around the world are suffering due to conflict, and I know that communities across the West continue to pray for peace.

 

“Alongside events in our region today on VJ Day, in South Gloucestershire the Staple Hill & District Branch of the Royal British Legion, and the Salvation Army Band, will be holding a public service in Page Park at the end of the month to mark the 80^th anniversary of VJ Day and the 85^th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. These moments are also another chance to remember people on the Home Front in the West of England, where the Blitz and the Baedeker raids devastated our communities. Across our region, thousands of people lost their lives and many more lost their homes.

“Today is sadly likely to be among our final opportunities to honour veterans of the Second World War who are still with us. Today and every day, we thank them for their service and sacrifice.”