UK to observe two-minute silence to commemorate 75th anniversary of VJ Day

A service to commemorate VJ Day was held at Rochdale Cenotaph last year

A two-minute silence will be held across the UK this weekend to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VJ (Victory over Japan) Day.

Remembering and thanking all those from the many nations who fought for the freedoms that we enjoy today; the tribute will take place on Saturday 15 August 2020 at 11am.

Union Flags will also fly at full mast on UK Government buildings to remember the day that Japan surrendered and brought the Second World War to an end after six years of fighting.

Whilst VE Day (Victory in Europe) marked the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, thousands of Armed Forces personnel were still engaged in bitter fighting in the Far East, known as the Burma Campaign.

VJ Day marks the day Japan surrendered on the 15 August 1945, which in effect ended the Second World War.

Rochdale has recently recognised this anniversary locally by commemorating the World War Two campaign in Burma with a floral tribute at Broadfield Park and a presentation of banners to Rochdale & District Fusiliers’ Association on Thursday 6 August, which will become a regular feature in local Remembrance Sunday parades:

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/135907/banner-presented-to-rochdale-and-district-fusiliers-to-commemorate-ww2-campaign-in-burma

The Fusilier Museum, Bury will also commemorate the 75th anniversary of VJ Day with a programme of special virtual events and the launch of a new film – The Forgotten Army, Lancashire Fusiliers in Burma - on Saturday (15 August) which will be projected onto the side of the building.

The museum will then turn red and blue in honour of all the Lancashire Fusiliers who fought so bravely in Burma before finally ending with a short, military ceremony with the lowering of regimental standards and the last post.

To find out more information about plans to commemorate VJ tomorrow (Saturday 15 August) and how you can get involved safely from home, visit:

• ve-vjday75.gov.uk