Friday, 15 August marks the 80th anniversary of Victory Over Japan Day – the end of the Second World War.
Japan’s surrender in 1945 brought an end to six years of war and was met with relief, celebration and reflection across the world.
The human cost of the war was incredibly high. In the war against Japan alone, British troops suffered more than 90,000 casualties, 37,500 were held as prisoners of war and more than 30,000 made the ultimate sacrifice.
Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council, said: “Medway has a long and proud history with our Armed Forces, and I know that like myself many of our residents will have a strong personal connection through veterans or current personnel they know. We saw how communities across Medway came together to mark VE Day earlier this year, and though VJ Day is a more sombre and reflective day, it’s another chance for us to show that we continue to honour and remember the legacy of those who came before us.”
All residents are encouraged, where possible, to participate in the national two-minute silence which will be held on Friday, 15 August at 12noon to mark VJ Day 80.
Cllr Chrissy Stamp, Medway Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “Anniversaries like this give us all the opportunity to pause and think about the unimaginable sacrifices that people made to secure our freedom. Those sacrifices are still being made today, and we are committed to supporting veterans and those who are still serving as best we can. As a council, we are proud members of the Armed Forces Covenant, and recently agreed to establish the new Medway Armed Forces Partnership Board to better co-ordinate and enhance the support available in Medway, and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this important work.”
Cllr Nina Gurung, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Leisure, said: “It is important for all of us to come together to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. I would encourage everyone, wherever you are, to join the national two-minute silence and take some time to remember. I would also like to thank everyone who has organised VJ Day 80 events here in Medway to pay tribute to the courage of previous generations, whose actions brought an end to the war, and commit to work together for peace within our communities and in the world.”
VJ Day 80 in Medway
A flag raising ceremony, led by the Mayor of Medway Cllr Trevor Clarke, will be held at the council’s Gun Wharf office on VJ Day – Friday, 15 August.
A commemorative event will also be held at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
Led by Brigadier Peter Gilbert QVRM TD DL VR, Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, the day will include a ceremonial flag raising and the premiere of a commemorative film.
The short spoken-word film has been specially created using the Medway Peace Poem, which was commissioned earlier this year to commemorate VE and VJ Day.
The community poem was composed by poet Dan Simpson in collaboration with Medway residents through their submissions focused on their thoughts, hopes and memories of peace.
Veterans and dignitaries have been invited to the event at The Historic Dockyard Chatham and will be joined by some of Medway's cadets. Dockyard ticketholders and anyone visiting on the day are also welcome to join the flag raising and watch the premiere of the Peace Poem film.
Evening prayer at Rochester Cathedral will include prayers for VJ Day, and there will be a wreath laying at the War Memorial outside Rochester Cathedral at 6pm.
Elsewhere in Medway, Hoo & Chattenden Parish Council will be holding a beacon lighting on VJ Day.
The Medway African & Carribran Association will also be hosting an event at the Royal Engineers Museum on Saturday, 16 August.
On Sunday, 17 August, Fort Amherst will be hosting a free live music event, Swingtime Sweethearts, with nostalgic music from the 1940s.