Approximately 5 million men and women served their country in the Second World War 1939 – 1945.
Parish residents may recall the powerful local and national celebrations for V E day in May when we all honoured our servicemen and women for their dedication and service during the Second World War, many making the ultimate sacrifice and giving their lives for our freedoms.
15th August this year will mark the 80th anniversary of V J Day and the end of World War 2. Japan surrendered in August 1945, signing the surrender treaty on 2nd September 1945.
There are testimonies by veterans sharing their experiences from the invasion of British Malaysia to the horrors of working on the construction of the Burma railroad and Hiroshima. BBC and other channels will broadcast visual and audio archive materials and some firsthand stories from family members, friends, historians and educators – generation to generation so that we never forget.
Royal British Legion events and television broadcasts will take place, some from the National Arboretum in Staffordshire, when veterans and their families will be invited to various thanksgiving receptions across the nations. We will hear first-hand testimonies from veterans, many of whom are over 100 years old and who were there.
Government buildings will be lit up, fly pasts will take place and there will be a national 2 minute silence at 12 noon on 15 August 2025.
More information is available to parish residents by checking Northumberland County Council website, church and library websites and local Facebook pages, and also at the links below:
VE Day and VJ Day 80th anniversaries – GOV.UK
VJ Day 2025, 80th Anniversary – VJ Day Event | Royal British Legion
In the poignant words of Tom Berry proud veteran, aged 101 and ambassador for The Royal British Legion – ‘ Stop and remember all those who gave so much for our freedoms and those who never made it back.’