King Charles Honors VJ Day Heroes on 80th Anniversary
This week marks the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, and King Charles has taken a moment to remind everyone that the bravery and sacrifice of those who served in the Second World War in the Pacific and Far East will never be forgotten. In an audio message recorded earlier this month, the King reflected on the incredible service of soldiers and the suffering endured by prisoners of war and civilians in occupied territories. He emphasized that the cost of war is never limited to the battlefield—it touches every part of life.
The King’s message draws a poignant connection to history, echoing the broadcast made by his grandfather, King George VI, when the Second World War finally ended. Just as King George VI addressed the nation and the Commonwealth, King Charles spoke from Clarence House, acknowledging both the heroism of those who fought and the lessons they left behind. As he put it, these veterans gave more than freedom—they left an example of how freedom must be protected, showing that victory was achieved not only through courage but also through cooperation across nations, cultures, and faiths.
Also Read:On Friday, King Charles and Queen Camilla will attend a national service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. They will be joined by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, veterans, and families, all paying tribute to those who served in the Far East. A two-minute silence will be observed, concluding with a flypast from the RAF Red Arrows, and a reception will follow where veterans and their families can meet the royal couple. Later in the year, a reception at Windsor Castle will further mark this historic anniversary.
VJ Day, or Victory over Japan Day, is commemorated on 15 August each year and marks the day in 1945 when Japan surrendered, bringing the Second World War to a close. Around 71,000 soldiers from Britain and the Commonwealth lost their lives fighting in the Pacific, including more than 12,000 who were held as prisoners of war. King Charles’ words highlight not only the sacrifices of those who fought but also the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict, reminding everyone that war’s true cost reaches far beyond soldiers on the front lines.
The King also used the moment to reflect on the broader message of unity and collaboration. He stressed that in both war and peace, the most powerful “weapons” are not the arms one carries, but the arms one links together—an observation that resonates deeply in today’s world of global conflicts. By honoring these heroes, King Charles has made it clear that their courage, their suffering, and their example will be remembered for generations to come.
If you want, I can also create a slightly more “spoken-word” version
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