Today on the 15th August, communities across the country will come together to mark 80 years since Victory over Japan.
Thousands of British, Northern Irish and Commonwealth troops continued to fight against Japanese forces in Asia and the Pacific for months after VE Day.
The dropping of two atomic bombs on Japanese cities – Hiroshima on 6th August and Nagasaki three days later – resulted in enormous devastation, bringing the six-year global conflict to a rapid end, and introducing the atomic age.
We owe the Second World War generation so much. It is of course right that we pay tribute to those who fought in the Far East and the Pacific eighty years after that terrible conflict came to an end.
I have been proud to be the Minister responsible for VE and VJ Day, leading the Government’s programme of commemorative events this year which has included working with so many brilliant organisations on such an important anniversary. In particular, I of course pay tribute to the Royal British Legion not just here in Barnsley but across the UK. It has always been so important that veterans are front and centre of the VJ Day commemorations.
On VJ Day, the Royal British Legion will lead the nation in honouring and remembering those who fought and died during the war in the Far East, with a service marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, it will also be broadcast live on BBC One from midday.
The event will feature a guard of honour of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. Music will be provided by military bands, and the battle of Britain memorial flight will lead a breathtaking flypast.
The national two-minute silence on Friday 15 August at midday encourages us to remember and thank those who fought for our freedom.
UK landmarks will be lit up in white on 15 August as beacons of strength and national unity, as they were 80 years ago, including Barnsley Town Hall.
As living history fades into the past, it is more important than ever that we listen to the stories of the remaining veterans who fought for their country in that conflict.
I wrote to schools across Barnsley South, highlighting the resources available to them and encouraging them to discover our own local history. These are to mark both VE and VJ Day, including ‘Our Shared Story’, a collection of educational resources and ‘Letters to Loved Ones’, a project encouraging people to share family letters from the war to illustrate what everyday life was like. It was lovely to discover some of my grandparents’ letters from when my grandad, Bobby, who I am very proud of, was serving in the RAF during the war.
Here in Barnsley, I had the pleasure of visiting Barnsley Civic to see their summer programme of workshops and events exploring themes of freedom, food, and togetherness.
Other local events have also included “Operation Pied Piper” Evacuee Picnic at Owd Martha’s Yard on Thursday 14th August, the Civic Service at Barnsley Town Hall on Friday 15th August, and the lighting up of Barnsley Town Hall later in the evening.
As Barnsley Civic approaches its 150th anniversary, it is working with local partners to mark the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day, deepening community connections and building a legacy that lasts.
In Barnsley and across the UK, we will come together to mark 80 years since Victory over Japan, in awe of the unshakable resilience, determination, service and sacrifice in unimaginable circumstances of those who continued to fight for our future until Victory over Japan on the 15th August 1945.