Flypasts and a sunset light show are among the spectacular ceremonies to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan next week, with a full plan revealed by the Government
Flypasts and a sunset light show are among the spectacular ceremonies to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan next week.
Around 400 members of the Armed Forces will pay tribute to WWII veterans at Staffordshire’s National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) for a commemorative event hosted by the Royal British Legion on August 15.
The event will include a guard of honour of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force and flypasts by the Red Arrows and The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. It comes after Buckingham Palace announced the King will address the nation next week.
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Historic Second World War-era aircraft, including The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster, will appear during the ceremony.
Gurkhas from the British Army’s Brigade of Gurkhas will also form part of the guard of honour in recognition of the contribution of 120,000 Gurkha soldiers during WWII,
The VJ Day 80 commemorations will begin on Thursday evening with a spectacular sunset ceremony, including a moving light show, at the Memorial Gates in London to pay tribute to Commonwealth personnel who served and died in the Far East.
The Ministry of Defence will also lead a moment of reflection at The Cenotaph
At dawn on VJ Day itself, military bagpipers will perform the lament Battle’s O’er at The Cenotaph, the NMA, and at Edinburgh Castle.
They will be joined in unison by military pipers performing around the world, including in Japan, Nepal, Brunei and New Zealand, as well as on board the Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, which is at sea in the Far East.
The dawn lament will coincide with a remembrance moment at a Japanese peace garden to reflect the reconciliation which has taken place between the UK and Japan since WWII.
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “The bravery and sacrifice of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Armed Forces during the Second World War continue to inspire us today.The nation will come together on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day to thank those who served and remember those who died.
“Our UK Armed Forces today continue the legacy of the Greatest Generation – protecting the peace they secured through their courage and commitment across the world.”
Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said: “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.”
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