The 70th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day will be commemorated by the Royal Family on Saturday 15th August as The Queen, accompanied by Prince Philip, will attend a service at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square.
On the same day, the Prince of Wales will be accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall as they attend a Drumhead Service and wreath laying ceremony on Horse Guards Parade followed by a reception in the grounds of Westminster Abbey.
Whilst Victory in Europe came in May 1945, the Second World War continued in the Far East until the Japanese finally surrendered on 14th August 1945, following the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Wednesday 15th August 1945 was celebrated as Victory over Japan Day and as King George VI said, “the surrender of Japan has brought to an end six years of warfare which has caused untold loss and misery to the world.”
As 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, The Queen will lead commemorations in London as she and Prince Philip attend a commemorative service at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church.
The Queen and Prince Philip will also be accompanied by the Earl and Countess of Wessex as well as the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
As well as royals, the service in Trafalgar Square will see veterans including former Prisoners of War in attendance and is being organised by the National FEPOW Fellowship Welfare Remembrance Association.
In addition to the services being attended by various members of the Royal Family there are a whole host of other events happening to mark the 70th anniversary of VJ Day including a service at the National Memorial Arboretum held by the Malayan Volunteers Group.
A service of thanksgiving will also be held at Lichfield Cathedral as well as a ceremony at the Manningtree War Memorial.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will also be marking this milestone anniversary as they attend a Drumhead Service and wreath laying ceremony at Horse Guards Parade. As is custom when remembering an event of this nature the service at Horse Guards will begin with a fly past, including aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, a Spitfire, Dakota and Hurricane and a Royal Navy Swordfish and RAF Typhoon who will join together to mark 70 years since the surrender of the Japanese.
Charles and Camilla will be joined by veterans as well as their families and current members of the Armed Forces at the event which has been organised by Her Majesty’s Government and the Royal British Legion.
The event at Horse Guards Parade will conclude with a parade from there to Westminster Abbey where Prince Charles and Camilla will attend a reception hosted by the Royal British Legion.
The Royal British Legion is the UK’s leading Service charity providing care and support to serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans of all ages and their families through welfare, comradeship and representation. The Royal British Legion are also the nation’s custodian of remembrance.
Back in May, The Queen lead commemorations as the nation marked the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
photo credits: Northern Ireland Office/ MTHurson/Harrions, mwanasimba via photopin cc
