VJ day celebrations

VJ Day—Victory over Japan Day—holds profound historical and emotional significance as the day that marked the end of World War II. Here’s why it matters:

🕊️ End of Global Conflict

• Date: 15 August 1945 (UK, Commonwealth)
  • Japan’s surrender followed the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the Soviet Union’s entry into the war against Japan.

Honouring the Forgotten Army

• VJ Day commemorates the Allied forces in the Pacific and Far East, often overshadowed by the European campaign.
• King Charles III emphasized their sacrifice, especially those under Lord Mountbatten and General Slim, who fought in brutal conditions across Southeast Asia

Remembering the Suffering

• Prisoners of war endured starvation, disease, and cruelty in Japanese camps.
• Civilians in occupied territories faced immense hardship.
• The day is a solemn reminder of the human cost of war, not just military but emotional and societal

A Call for Peace and Unity

• King Charles’s 2025 address highlighted the enduring lesson of VJ Day:
• It’s a call to international cooperation, empathy, and remembrance.

Legacy and Reflection

• VJ Day is not just about victory—it’s about healing, reconciliation, and ensuring history is never forgotten.
• It reminds us of the resilience of those who served, and the importance of peace in today’s world.