The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane is inviting borough residents to join her in commemorating the 75th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on Saturday 15th August.
Cllr Diane Taylor, whose father served in Burma during the Second World War, will mark the national remembrance with an online tribute to be broadcast on the day, in line with government guidance on COVID-19.
VJ Day recognises both the surrender of Japan and the end of the Second World War and the Mayor will pay her respects to the many thousands of Armed Forces personnel who fought in the Far East and the Pacific. Her chaplain, Dr Andy Taylor, will also take part in the online service with a speech and prayers.
A two minute silence at 11am will follow the Mayor’s virtual message and borough residents will be encouraged to take part by remembering the service and sacrifice made by the Second World War generation.
Cllr Taylor said: “This very special anniversary of VJ Day will resonate with many borough residents who, like myself, have family members who fought in Asia-Pacific and were instrumental in bringing the Second World War to a close.
“The fierce conflict and those who served and paid a heavy price should never be forgotten. Britain and the Commonwealth’s principal fighting force, the Fourteenth Army, was one of the most diverse in history – more than 40 languages were spoken, and all the world’s major religions represented. It is so important to remember the sacrifice, courage and determination shown by these soldiers.
“While VE Day marked the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, VJ Day marks the day Japan surrendered on the 15 August 1945 and I invite everybody to join me for my morning broadcast on Facebook @BasingstokeMayor and on Twitter @BasingMayor just before a two minutes’ silence at 11am.”
There are plenty of ways for the public to get involved with the VJ Day 75 national commemorations. Visit the government’s website https://ve-vjday75.gov.uk/get-involved/
The Royal British Legion will be marking the 75th anniversary of VJ Day with shared stories and tributes online at https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance/remembrance-events/vj-day
Visit the Mayor’s webpage https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/the-mayor
