Council commemorates 75th anniversary of VJ Day

15 Aug 2020 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

Northumberland County Council hosted a small gathering today (15 August) to remember Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, which marks the surrender of Japanese forces in 1945, which ended the Second World War. 
 
To mark the occasion, the Council held a socially distanced ceremony to commemorate VJ Day, where a flag was raised and wreaths were laid at County Hall in Morpeth.
 
In attendance at the ceremony was Civic Head of the council, Cllr Ian Hutchinson, and Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Jeff Watson.
 
Cllr Hutchinson said: “Whilst VE Day marked the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, many thousands of Armed Forces personnel were still engaged in bitter fighting in the Far East.
 
“Saturday 15 August marks the 75th VJ Day and as we join the nation in a two-minute silence, we remember and pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of those who contributed to victory in the Far East.”
 
75 years on the country is remembering the contribution of all British, Commonwealth and Allied Forces, without whom victory and the freedoms and way of life we enjoy today would have not been possible. 
 
The socially distanced ceremony saw a special VJ Day flag raised, a two-minute silence observed, wreaths laid and short poignant speeches made to honour the occasion.
 
Armed Forces Champion Cllr Jeff Watson said: “By raising the flag, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the entire Second World War generation and acknowledge the contribution of the Commonwealth forces, who came from across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and Australasia to form the Fourteenth Army, one of the most diverse in history.
 
“As we lay wreaths, we remember the true meaning of the poppy and the tragedy of war, and honour all those who fought for their country and the servicemen and women who continue to keep us safe today.”