Wirral Council unveils plans to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day
The Mayor of Wirral will lead local events to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, including a Civic service in Port Sunlight, and a 1940s-themed tea dance at Wallasey Town Hall.
Friday 15 August will mark 80 years since Victory over Japan (VJ Day) brought an end to World War II. The local events aim to remember and show gratitude to those who fought for freedom and helped to secure many decades of peace.
The Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Brian Kenny, said:
80 years ago the long and devastating conflict finally ended. In Wirral, and in communities across the world, it was a moment to welcome peace and to remember the immense cost at which it was won.
On VJ Day next Friday (15 August), we will pay tribute to the brave men and women from Wirral who served in the Far East, many in what became known as the ‘forgotten war’. We will remember the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who endured intense fighting in the jungles of Burma and across the Pacific. We will remember and honour the prisoners of war who suffered unimaginable hardships and who returned home forever changed.
Wirral people have always stood side by side to honour the fallen and remember the sacrifices of so many, so I look forward to meeting as many people as possible in Port Sunlight as we remember and say thank you to that incredible wartime generation.
A Civic service to commemorate and celebrate VJ Day will take place at the War Memorial in Port Sunlight from 11.00am. Led by Revd. Alan Wickens from the nearby Christ Church, the service will include the rousing sounds of pipes and drums from Wirral Pipe Band.
Following the service a National two-minute silence will be held at 12 noon to honour the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.
From 1.00pm the Mayor’s Charity Fund is holding a VJ Day tea dance and sing-along featuring the Bel Canto Singers at Wallasey town hall to raise funds for local good causes.
For more information about VJ Day visit the Imperial War Museum website.
