On Friday 15 August, the nation will come together to commemorate 80 years since victory over Japan and the end of the Second World War. The 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan) is a time for a nation to come together to learn about the stories of those that served, from the servicemen who fought in the Far East, to those left back on the home front. While VE Day (Victory in Europe) marked the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, many thousands of Armed Forces personnel were still engaged in fighting in the Far East. Victory over Japan would come at a heavy price, and VJ Day marks the day Japan surrendered on 15 August 1945, which ended the Second World War.
Fighting in the Asia-Pacific took place from Hawaii to North East India. Britain and the Commonwealth’s principle fighting force, the Fourteenth Army, was one of the most diverse in history – more than 40 languages were spoken, and all the world’s major religions represented.
The descendants of many of the Commonwealth veterans of that army are today part of multicultural communities around the world, a lasting legacy to the success and comradeship of those who fought in the Asia-Pacific.
Across the United Kingdom and the world, commemorations will be taking place to mark the 80th anniversary of this momentous moment and Sidmouth, like many towns will be holding a number of events during the day to mark this commemoration culminating in the lighting of a Beacon that evening. All residents and visitors are invited to attend to help remember those that served and continue to serve for a more peaceful world.
Events in the town begin at 10.45am, with a short procession of veterans and standards from the market place to the War Memorial where a brief Act of Remembrance for those that fought throughout the conflict will take place.
A National Two-minute Silence will be observed at noon.
At 5.30pm the bells will ring out from Sidmouth Parish Church together with church bells across the country, to signify the 80 years since the momentous end of the war 80 years ago.
Then, taking place at York Steps on the Esplanade over our own beach, the main Sidmouth commemoration will take place. This will begin with music from Sidmouth Town Band at 8.30pm.
At 9.00pm the Town’s Royal Standard, together with other Standards and Veteran and Service groups will process from the Market Place to York Steps ahead of the commemoration service around the York Steps Beacon.
As the sun sets and the evening commemorations draws to a close, the lighting of the town beacon signifying a ‘Lamp for Peace’ will be undertaken by the Chair of Sidmouth Town Council at 9.30pm. Such beacons will be lit across the country to signify the light that emerged from the dreadful darkness of war and the celebrations for Victory over Japan and the end of the Second World War.