VJ Day celebrations have had to be scaled back this year but the 75th anniversary will still be marked this weekend.
VJ Day saw the end of the conflict in Asia and brought the Second World War to a close in 1945. But similar to the VE Day anniversary in May, many of the original plans nationally have had to be cancelled or changed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In Worcester, tomorrow (August 15), the mayor, Cllr Jo Hodges, will lead a ceremony to mark the moment the Second World War finally came to an end.
Only 15 official attendees will be allowed in the Guildhall courtyard, but members of the public can watch from outside the railings.
The ceremony at the Guildhall will include a welcome and speech by the mayor, readings of the Kohima Epitaph and a verse from the poem For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon, prayers by the mayor’s chaplain and a minute’s silence.
Pershore Abbey Community are commemorating the anniversary online with a service of reflection that will be shown on its YouTube channel.
Pershore Abbey Community’s event will be led by Rev Steve Dunton and there will be prayers for forgiveness, as well as the traditional acts of remembrance as there is a reflection on the horror inflicted and suffered on both sides of the conflict.
Anyone wanting to view the service can do so by visiting Pershore Abbey Community on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, or view via the links running on the Abbey website at pershoreabbey.org.uk
The event will be shown live from 9.30am.
Meanwhile Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Lt Col Patrick Holcroft has given his own tribute ahead of the Guildhall event.
The Lord Lieutenant said: “Once again, our ability to mark this important anniversary is constrained by the continuing need to be vigilant in our response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
“On Saturday I hope that you will be able to join me in spending a few moments remembering with pride and gratitude all that was endured and achieved on our behalf by men and women in the Far East to safeguard our future and to protect our values.”
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