On Saturday 15^th August 2020, commemorations will be held to mark the 75^th Anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day), commemorating the end of the Second World War.

Torbay residents are being encouraged to join in by either arranging a party at home with members of your household or social bubble, or by attending one of the memorial services being organised locally in line with local government guidance.

Veterans of the Far East campaign will be at the heart of the commemorations as the nation thanks them for their service and sacrifice. Events will also pay tribute to the tens of thousands of service personnel from across the UK and the Commonwealth who fought and died in the war including all those who were held in Japanese prisoner of war camps.

Maggie Douglas-Dunbar, Civic Mayor of Torbay Council, said: “We are calling on residents to show their support for VJ Day and join in the national ‘two-minute’ silence at 11am to remember and reflect the service and recognition of the entire Second World War generation. We also hope to see lots of VJ flags and bunting across the Bay and families celebrating and connecting with this significant event in our history.”

Leader of Torbay Council Steve Darling said: “This anniversary is an important milestone and a chance for us to remember those who gave their lives, so I encourage Torbay residents to get involved.

“VJ Day is always special to my family as my grandfather served in the Far East in the Second World War.”

Torbay’s Armed Forces Champion Councillor Nicole Amil said: “Our Armed Forces have made immense sacrifices, both during the Second World War and in more recent times, so it’s essential that we take every opportunity to recognise what they did for the freedoms we take for granted.

“I have had the immense privilege and honour to work with the Torbay and District branch of the Burma Star Association over many years and will be joining the VJ Day commemorations outdoors in the Burma Star Memorial Garden at Roundham, Paignton this Saturday.”

The commemoration event this year is by invite only due to COVID-19 restrictions on numbers.

To help everyone get in the mood and mark this special day at home, there are lots of resources online where you can pay tribute to the Second World War generation.

VJ Day in your home

The government’s VJ Day website has a toolkit full of resources including bunting and posters that you can print and display in your home and windows to show you are marking the day. A party isn’t complete without some treats, so why not try out Prue Leith’s recipe for Muscovado Flapjacks, which would have been a real treat during wartime.

The Nation Remembers

At 11am, join in a poignant two-minute silence to pay tribute to the heroes of the past and present in a national moment of remembrance. The celebrations can be followed throughout the day across national television and media channels who have dedicated programming scheduled.

You can also Share your Second World War stories, family histories and messages of remembrance on social media. Use #VJDay75 to join the conversation.