On Friday, August 15, 2025, communities across the United Kingdom paused to honor the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, a moment that marked not only the end of World War II but also the closing chapter of one of the most turbulent periods in modern history. From Burgess Hill in the south to Alnwick in the north, ceremonies brought together veterans, civic leaders, and ordinary citizens, each paying tribute in their own way to the sacrifices and resilience of those who endured the war’s final days.
In Burgess Hill, the Garden of Remembrance became the focal point for this year’s commemoration. According to the Sussex Express, the event was organized by the Burgess Hill Town Council with significant support from the Royal British Legion. Attendees gathered under a bright August sky, their numbers including local dignitaries, veterans, and families—some of whom carried memories of loved ones lost or forever changed by the war. The ceremony included wreath-laying in honor of the soldiers who fought in the conflict. Reverend Stephen MacCarthy, the Salvation Army, and Helen Underwood Lewis provided musical accompaniment, lending a solemn and stirring atmosphere to the proceedings. The Town Council expressed its gratitude on social media, stating, “Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day. Our thanks to Reverend Stephen MacCarthy, the Salvation Army and Helen Underwood Lewis for their musical accompaniment, the Royal British Legion and all who took part.”
Photographs from the event show the community coming together in quiet reflection, with wreaths laid at the memorial and the Salvation Army standing in attendance. The images, captured by Steve Robards for the Sussex Express, convey a sense of unity and shared purpose, as both young and old paused to remember a generation that endured unimaginable hardship.
Meanwhile, in Alnwick, Northumberland, a parallel ceremony unfolded with its own unique blend of personal history and public remembrance. The event was organized by Sarah Henderson from the Alnwick Branch of the Royal British Legion, whose own family history is intimately connected to the conflict. During the service, Henderson offered a personal reflection, recounting her late grandfather William (Bill) Redpath’s experiences as a prisoner of war. Her words, as reported by the Northumberland Gazette, added a poignant note to the ceremony, bridging the gap between past and present. Members of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, the regiment with which Bill Redpath served, attended the service, their presence a living link to the events being commemorated.
The ceremony in Alnwick drew a wide range of attendees, including representatives from RAF Boulmer, Deputy Alnwick Town Mayor John Humphries, and the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. The arrival of the Duke and Duchess was captured in a series of photographs by Jane Coltman, showing them greeting Major Alan Wall and mingling with veterans and guests. The service included an address by Reverend Christian Mitchell, who accepted the Fusiliers Standard, a gesture symbolizing the enduring legacy of those who served. Attendees wore their medals with pride, honoring both personal and collective memories of the war.
These ceremonies, though separated by geography, were united by a common purpose: to ensure that the lessons and sacrifices of the past are not forgotten. The 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day carries particular weight, as the number of surviving veterans dwindles and the events of the Second World War recede further into history. Yet, as the gatherings in Burgess Hill and Alnwick demonstrate, the desire to remember and honor remains strong.
Victory over Japan Day, or VJ Day, commemorates the moment in 1945 when Japan surrendered to Allied forces, effectively ending World War II. The announcement of Japan’s surrender was met with scenes of jubilation in cities around the world, but it also marked the end of years of suffering for prisoners of war and civilians caught in the conflict’s final battles. For many families, the day is a reminder of loved ones who never returned, or who came back changed by their experiences.
The Royal British Legion, which played a central role in organizing both ceremonies, has long been at the forefront of efforts to preserve the memory of those who served. In Burgess Hill, their support helped bring together local organizations and individuals, ensuring that the commemoration was both dignified and inclusive. In Alnwick, the Legion’s involvement was equally crucial, with Sarah Henderson’s personal connection underscoring the human stories behind the history.
Music played a significant role in both ceremonies, providing moments of reflection and unity. In Burgess Hill, the Salvation Army and Helen Underwood Lewis’s performances offered comfort and inspiration, while in Alnwick, the presence of military and civic leaders lent gravity to the proceedings. The acceptance of the Fusiliers Standard by Reverend Christian Mitchell served as a reminder that the responsibility to remember is one that must be passed from generation to generation.
The participation of figures such as Deputy Alnwick Town Mayor John Humphries and the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland highlighted the importance of civic engagement in commemorative events. Their attendance signaled a recognition that the legacy of World War II is not confined to history books, but lives on in the values and institutions of contemporary society.
For those who attended, the ceremonies offered an opportunity to reflect not only on the end of a global conflict but also on the enduring impact of war on individuals and communities. As Sarah Henderson’s reflection on her grandfather’s experiences made clear, the scars of conflict can last a lifetime, shaping families and shaping nations. Yet, as the wreaths were laid and the standards passed, there was also a sense of hope—a belief that by remembering the past, future generations might be spared similar suffering.
As the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day draws to a close, the ceremonies in Burgess Hill, Alnwick, and countless other communities serve as a testament to the power of collective memory. They remind us that history is not just a series of dates and events, but a tapestry of personal stories, sacrifices, and acts of courage. In honoring those who fought and those who endured, we reaffirm our commitment to peace and understanding in an often turbulent world.
