Wrexham’s armed forces champion Cllr David Griffiths has paid tribute to all those who served and sacrificed during World War 2 as Wrexham commemorates and celebrates the 75th anniversary since Victory over Japan Day.
He said, “Tomorrow marks 75 years since Victory over Japan and although we are still dealing with the implications of the Covid-19 lockdown, it’s still important to take time to remember. It’s time to reflect on the terrible human toll WW2 took on our men, women and children who bravely answered the call to protect and serve their country. We remember them all on this special anniversary and thank them for what they did.
“Pre-lockdown there was a number of events that were planned across the county to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VJ Day. These are now unable to take place, but I would still like to encourage everyone to continue to mark the occasion in a safe way.”
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Whilst Europe celebrated VE Day on May 8 1945, war continued across Asia and the Pacific. Many British, Commonwealth and Allied Military personnel were engaged in the conflict there for a further 3 months.
The war in the Pacific began in 1937, when the Japanese began its invasion of mainland China. However, it wasn’t until 1941 after Japanese aircraft bombed Pearl Harbour, that allied forces became embroiled in a conflict that would rage on beyond the end of the Second World War in Europe. It took place over a vast area of the globe, far greater in size than any of the areas of Europe. After VE Day, there were thousands more lives lost on both sides.
UK wide Commemorations:
- At 11am on Saturday, August 15 2020, The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will lead a national two-minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the war.
- During the afternoon, the Red Arrows will conduct a UK-wide flypast tribute over Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff and London
- In the evening, ‘VJ Day 75: The Nation’s Tribute’ a special programme will be broadcast on BBC One.
- More information and guidance on how the occasion can be marked safely can be found at: https://ve-vjday75.gov.uk/.
