West Sussex marks 75th anniversary of VJ Day

Plans have been made to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory Over Japan Day in West Sussex with private services of commemoration.
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West Sussex County Council is supporting the Royal British Legion’s programme of activity to mark the occasion on Saturday, August 15.

Councillors felt VJ Day was an often-forgotten part of history and hoped the anniversary activities would allow residents to remember and recognise all those who served in the Far East towards the end of the Second World War.

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Janet Duncton, chairman, said: “As a council, we are proud to support all the great work that the Royal British Legion does to remember those who fought and supported during the Second World War.

Saturday marks the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, and the official end of the Second World War. Picture: IWMSaturday marks the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, and the official end of the Second World War. Picture: IWM
Saturday marks the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, and the official end of the Second World War. Picture: IWM

“Although this is a day of remembrance, it is tinged with sadness at not being able to commemorate the day more widely with the community due to the current coronavirus guidelines on lockdown, but I hope that you will still join in the learning and celebrations from the comfort of your homes and make the 75th anniversary of VJ Day extra special.”

She will be attending a short act of remembrance and reflection at the War Memorial in Litten Gardens, Chichester, at 11am and will later lay a wreath at the War Memorial in Petworth.

Members of the public are encouraged to stay at home and watch the commemorative service on BBC One, joining in the nation’s two-minute silence at 11am.

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Activity packs, designed for all ages, are available to provide an overview of the Second World War, focused on the Asia-Pacific area, and the British Legion has launched an interactive map on its website www.rbl.org.uk/vjday75 to encourage people to learn more by reading stories and personal accounts from those who experienced the conflict.

VJ Day celebrations. Picture: IWMVJ Day celebrations. Picture: IWM
VJ Day celebrations. Picture: IWM

Pete Bradbury, the council’s armed forces champion, said: “VJ Day is so important as it recognises the veterans, and their families, who fought in the Far East conflict and risked their lives to keep us safe.

“For those residents who don’t know much about VJ Day, I would highly recommend delving into the resources created by The Royal British Legion. There are activity packs, a quiz and blog posts that give a deeper insight into this multicultural band of brothers who were still involved in bitter fighting, even after the war had ended in Europe on May 8, 1945.”

The mayor and mayoress of Worthing, Lionel and Karen Harman, will be attending a small, private event with Worthing Veteran’s Association.

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They will be at the War Memorial by Worthing Town Hall at 10.50am and will observe the two minute’s silence at 11am. Worthing town crier Bob Smytherman will then deliver A Cry for Peace Around the World.

The Armed Forces Flags are being flown at the Town Hall from today until Monday.

Mr Harman said: “This year is a significant anniversary marking the end of World War Two and an important date to remember and commemorate those who fought and those who sacrificed their lives during the Far East campaign.

“Unfortunately due to the Covid pandemic we are unable to mark the date in the way it deserves but our tributes will be paid respectfully nonetheless.”

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Members of the public are urged not to attend the private event to ensure public safety.

Nick Gibb, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton MP, also urged people to join in the activities online or via the television, rather than in person.

He said: “On the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, we remember the thousands of Armed Forces personnel and are thankful for their service and sacrifice which ultimately brought an end to the Second World War.

“To pay tribute to all those who fought and died, including those who were held as prisoners of war, the Royal British Legion is inviting the public to join a two-minute silence at 11am and watch the commemorative service at the National Memorial Arboretum led by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.”

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