VJ Day 80th anniversary to be commemorated in Newark, Southwell and Balderton
Communities will be coming together to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day this week.
This Friday (August 15), marks 80 years since victory was declared over Japanese forces in 1945, heralding an end to six years of global conflict during the Second World War.
The campaign in the far east was considered a secondary theatre of war, with most resources dedicated to defeating Germany returning peace to Europe first.
After victory was declared in Europe in May 1945, more resources and men were sent to fight the Japanese and end the war for good.
The Japanese Emperor officially surrendered on August 15, 1945, and to commemorate this historic date, towns and villages will be making their tributes.
In Newark, a ceremony focusing on remembrance is due to take place on the steps of the Town Hall.
Standards from military and veterans organisations will be paraded at 11.55am, before the last post is sounded and a two minutes of silence is observed at noon.
A similar ceremony and moment of silence will be held at the war memorial inside Southwell Minster at noon.
In Balderton, the parish council have organised a more celebratory affair, to be held at Village Centre, on Coronation Street, from 7pm to 10pm.
The evening will feature live music from the Voices Community Choir, and opportunities to learn about the area’s military history through displays by the RAF Balderton Research Group in the main hall. Refreshments will be available.
Standard bearers for various military and veterans organisations will be in place from 8.30pm, before retired Wing Commander and president of RAFA Balderton Nigel Branston speaks about the war in the far east.
People will then be lead to the playing fields opposite the Village Hall, where prayers will be led before a two minute silence at 9pm.
This will be followed by a beacon lighting ceremony at 9.15pm, offering guests an opportunity to reflect and remember those who made sacrifices during the war.