Southport to host VJ Day commemoration event to remember all those who served and died in the Far East

A small remembrance service will take place in Southport this weekend to remember all those who fought and died in the Far East during World War Two. 

The VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) commemoration will take place at Southport Cenotaph this Sunday (15th July), arrive at 10.30am for a 10.45am service. 

The event is being organised  by the Friends of the Burma Star Association. 

Veterans of the Far East campaign will be at the heart of the commemorations as the nation thanks them for their service and sacrifice and to remember all those who fought and died in the war including all those who were held in Japanese prisoner of war camps. 

It will be led by the Rev Robert Milton all veterans and families of veterans are very welcome to attend.

Victory over Japan Day – or VJ Day – was celebrated on 15th August 1945 and it marked the end of World War Two. 

As the name would suggest, 15th August 1945 was the moment that the Allies – that is Britain, the US and other countries that were fighting together – marked victory over Japan.

US President Harry S Truman broke the news at a press conference at the White House at 7pm on 14 August. Later at midnight, Britain’s new Prime Minister confirmed it, saying: “The last of our enemies is laid low.”

The following day, Japan’s Emperor Hirohito was heard on the radio for the first time ever when he announced the surrender.

That meant 15 August 1945 was officially named as Victory over Japan day and World War Two war was finally over.

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