Remembering the 76th anniversary of VJ Day

Members from Rochdale Borough Council and the public have remembered our fallen heroes and commemorated the 76th anniversary of VJ (Victory over Japan) Day.

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 15 August 1945, which in effect ended the Second World War.

Remembering and thanking all those from the many nations who fought for the freedoms that we enjoy today; a tribute took place at Heywood Memorial Gardens where wreaths were laid and a flag hoisting ceremony was also held.

The exortation and Kohima Epitaph were recited by Chair of Heywood Township Committee, Councillor Peter Rush.

 

 

The Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Aasim Rashid, Councillor Peter Rush, Councillor Carol Wardle, and leader of the council, Councillor Neil Emmott, all attended to pay tribute to the British and Commonwealth troops that demonstrated unprecedented bravery and sacrifice in what is widely regarded as one of the war’s harshest theatres.

Mayor Rashid said: “VJ Day marks the end of World War II, one of the deadliest and most destructive wars in history. We remembered all those who sacrificed their lives in the war, and they shall never be forgotten. Lest we forget.”

Leader of the Council, Councillor Neil Emmott said: “It is important that we honour and recognise all our brave armed forces personnel who fought and died for our country in the Second World War. 

“It is important that we commemorate both victory days of the Second World War, both V.E Day and V.J Day, as well as Remembrance Sunday.

“Those British and Commonwealth soldiers, sailors and aviators fought in very extreme conditions in the Far East and The Pacific, and it is only right that we honour them and remember those who sadly did not come home.”

Councillor Rush added: "I was very proud as Chair of Heywood Township Committee to be able to read the eulogy in remembrance of the fallen. I'm also very proud of the veterans and all those who honoured this, all in commemoration of VJ Day.

"Thank you to the council leader, the mayor and my fellow councillors for their attendance."

A commemorative installation, including a collection of striking benches carefully designed by Councillor McCarthy and Martin Orson from the Heywood Veterans Association, with support and funding from the Heywood Township, were installed outside the Phoenix and Civic Centres in Heywood in 2020 in time for the 75th anniversary of VJ Day.

The installations reflect Heywood’s connections to the historical events.

Cabinet member for finance and councillor for Hopwood Hall ward, Councillor Carol Wardle added: "Members of the public were also in attendance and remarks were made about how well kept and beautifully furnished the memorial gardens are since the installation of the new commemorative benches, which have been commissioned and funded by Heywood Township."