‘Their legacy must never be forgotten’
05:54, 15 Aug 2025Updated 06:12, 15 Aug 2025
Troops in Okinawa(Image: Getty Images)
After six long and bloody years of conflict, the Second World War finally ended 80 years ago today (Friday, August 15). Manchester — and the nation — will fall silent to observe a two-minute silence at noon on VJ Day today.
VJ Day marks the anniversary of August 15, 1945, when Imperial Japan announced its surrender to the Allied forces — a move which effectively brought the war to an end. It’s estimated that more than 90,000 British troops were casualties in the war against Japan — 30,000 died and 37,500 were held as prisoners of war in appalling conditions.
The two-minute silence is being observed nationally across the country. Civic commemorations are also being held outside town halls and at war memorials across Greater Manchester, both today and tomorrow, Saturday.
At the war memorial at St Peter’s Square in Manchester city centre, commemorations will begin at 11.50am. A programme of remembrance will see The Exhortation recited by Brigadier AG Ross OBE, followed by The Last Post sounded by WO2 Nick Burroughs. The national two-minute silence will be observed at noon, marked by the firing of a maroon. The Reveille will then sound.
The ceremony will also include wreath laying and iconic buildings and landmarks in the city centre will illuminate their facades from 9pm.
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The Royal British Legion, in partnership with the Government, is holding a national commemorative event to mark the 80th anniversary. The King and Queen will join veterans at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
Crowds celebrating VJ Day outside Buckingham Palace on August 15, 1945(Image: Getty Images)
The silence, to pay tribute to all those who served in the Far East and the Pacific, will be followed by an hour-long commemoration at the base of the Armed Forces Memorial. It will be broadcast live on the BBC from 11.30am.
The commemoration will feature 400 members of the Armed Forces and include music performances, readings and veteran testimonies, as well as a flypast from the Red Arrows and historic aircraft from The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
The King will also commemorate the anniversary of VJ Day with an address to the nation.
Charles’ pre-recorded audio message will be broadcast on VJ Day ahead of the service of remembrance, which will also be attended by the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Elsewhere, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will join the congregation at the Far East Prisoners of War VJ Day 80th Anniversary Service at Norwich Cathedral, before attending a second commemorative service dedicated to the Children and Families of the Far East Prisoners of War in Suffolk.
VJ Day celebrations in Manchester(Image: MirrorPix)
As Europe celebrated the surrender of German forces, many thousands of Allied forces were still involved in bitter fighting in the Far East. The war only came to an end after two atomic bombs were dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
By 1945 across Asia and the Pacific, there were 365,000 British and 1.5 million Commonwealth troops deployed, including the largest volunteer army in history.
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Troops fought across oceans, in monsoon drenched jungles, on snow-covered hills and in scorching tropical heat on remote islands. Both sides suffered thousands of losses. Six days after the bombs fell, Japan announced its surrender.
Culture Secretary and Wigan MP Lisa Nandy said: “Those who continued to fight bravely in Asia and the Pacific in those last few months of the Second World War must never be forgotten.
How the Manchester Evening News reported VJ Day(Image: M.E.N.)
“It is so important for us as a nation to come together on this important anniversary to remember our VJ Day veterans and hear their stories first-hand so we can ensure that their legacy is passed on to future generations and their sacrifice is never forgotten.”
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “VJ Day was the final victory in a war that changed the world, and we honour those who served in the Far East with enduring gratitude.
“Just as we proudly marked VE Day, we reflect on the courage, sacrifice and resilience shown by so many to secure peace. Their legacy must never be forgotten, and it’s our duty to pass their stories on to future generations.”
Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said: “The Armed Forces are proud to be at the heart of commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day this month. The service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation continues to inspire the men and women of today’s Armed Forces.
“The alliances and partnerships forged during the Second World War — in NATO, the Commonwealth and in the Far East — still keep us safe today.”