Honoring VJ Day: A Two-Minute Silence for 80 Years of Remembrance
Today, across the UK, a solemn two-minute silence is being observed to mark 80 years since VJ Day, the day when Japan surrendered to the Allied forces in 1945, officially ending World War Two. The moment is being led by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at a service in Staffordshire, where veterans aged from 96 to 105 have been invited as guests of honor. Earlier, the King paid tribute to those who fought and died in Asia and the Pacific, emphasizing that their sacrifices will “never be forgotten.”
The significance of VJ Day is remembered not only in the UK but across the world. In Tokyo, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed “remorse” in a rare acknowledgment during a war memorial speech, marking the first time in over a decade that a Japanese leader has used such language at a public ceremony. Across Asia, countries remember the end of Japanese occupation in ways that reflect both liberation and the lasting pain caused by the conflict. In Korea, Liberation Day is celebrated on 15 August, while China designates 3 September as Victory Day. In Southeast Asia, the legacy of occupation is remembered in various national commemorations.
Also Read:- Warriors Stage Stunning Comeback Over Dragons
- iPhone 17 Pro Release Date Finally Set: What We Know So Far
At the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, the ceremony has been deeply moving. The King, Queen, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer laid wreaths to honor the fallen, followed by a reading from British Army veteran Owen Filer, who recited the Kohima Epitaph: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.” A rendition of The Last Post preceded the two minutes of silence, a sound that has long become synonymous with wartime remembrance. The Royal Air Force Red Arrows also performed a flypast, their sleek jets slicing silently across the sky above the seated guests.
Veterans shared poignant memories. Tommy Doherty, aged 98, reflected on the treatment of prisoners of war in Singapore, recalling the neglect and isolation faced after the European conflict ended. Katharine Canning, who was imprisoned as a baby in Weihsien Internment Camp in Japanese-occupied China, spoke of small, vivid memories of survival and rescue, including losing a piece of broken china in the parachute of her rescuers. Other survivors, including atomic bomb witnesses in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, recounted harrowing experiences and the ongoing importance of sharing these stories.
The commemoration was also observed with parades, music, and outdoor services celebrating both the heroism of those who fought and the human cost of the war. Professor Frank Pantridge, a local war hero and medical pioneer, was among those remembered for his contributions during and after captivity. Attendees endured the blazing August sun, some using parasols, others fanning themselves, but all united in reflection.
Across the country, at 12:00 BST, the national silence was held, linking present-day citizens with the memories of those who endured unimaginable hardships. The ceremony was a reminder of courage, sacrifice, and humanity, honoring both veterans and civilians whose lives were forever changed by the war in Asia and the Pacific. Eight decades later, their stories continue to resonate, ensuring that the lessons of history are not forgotten.
Would you like me to also create a slightly shorter, more conversational version that’s ideal for speaking aloud on air?
Read More:
0 Comments