Henry Smith MP has welcomed plans to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) on Saturday 15th August 2015.
Henry said;
“While the conflict in Europe had been won some months previously, VJ Day marked the end of the Second World War.
“I'm pleased that people across Great Britain have an opportunity to pay tribute to our veterans on the 70th anniversary at events in London and throughout the country.
"Those Crawley area veterans are dwindling in number with the passage of time but we should never forget the sacrifices made on our behalf.”
Veterans and civilian internees, along with their descendants and families, can attend a special VJ Day commemorative event at Horse Guards Parade on 15th August.
The event will begin with a flypast of four historic aircraft; a Spitfire, Dakota and Hurricane of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and a Royal Navy Swordfish, together with a current RAF Typhoon.
This will be followed by a drumhead service - a church service conducted 'in the field' where no altar is available - a wreath-laying ceremony, and a reading of Rudyard Kipling‘s poem ‘The Road to Mandalay’ by Charles Dance.
Anyone wishing to attend should register their interest by contacting the Royal British Legion via:
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 0203 053 7015
The deadline for applications is Friday 24th July.
The Ministry of Defence and the Royal British Legion are leading commemorations to mark VJ Day 70.
Personnel from all three Armed Services will provide ceremonial support to the commemorations and will assist veterans, former prisoners of war, civilian internees, and their families as they mark this historic anniversary commemorating the end of the Second World War.
Funding support is available to enable veterans and their guests to attend the commemorations.
External links:
VJ Day 70th anniversary (UK Government)
Get involved in VJ Day 70 (UK Government)
18 July 2015
The Queen to join the nation in marking 70 years since the victory over Japan (UK Government)
18 July 2015