King Charles III has honored the bravery and sacrifice of World War II veterans at a remembrance service to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day). The event, held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, brought together around 33 veterans aged between 96 and 105 who served in the military in the Far East and Pacific.
The King released an audio message earlier, praising the courage and sacrifice of those who fought against Japan during the war. He also acknowledged the immense price paid by civilians and prisoners of war, as well as the victims of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Veterans who attended the service shared their personal experiences, including George Durrant, who witnessed the price of freedom firsthand, and Katharine Canning, who was rescued from an internment camp on VJ Day. The event also featured a flypast by the RAF’s Red Arrows and a national two-minute silence.
The King, accompanied by Queen Camilla, paid tribute to the British troops who died fighting Japan, including upwards of 12,000 prisoners of war. He noted that their sacrifice serves as a reminder of the true cost of war and the importance of commemorating those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The VJ Day anniversary is marked on August 15th each year and marks the date in 1945 when Japan surrendered to Allied forces, bringing an end to World War II.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y0lnzpqjgo