Across the United Kingdom, communities gathered on August 15, 2025, to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), a poignant milestone commemorating the end of World War II and honoring those who served in the Far East and Pacific. The day was filled with remembrance, gratitude, and stories—some joyful, others somber—as towns and cities paid tribute to the sacrifices made eight decades ago.
In Sandbach, Cheshire, the commemorations began in the late morning, as townsfolk assembled outside the historic Town Hall. At precisely 11:45 am, the Mayor of Sandbach, Councillor John Arnold, raised the flag in a solemn ceremony. The crowd then joined in the national two-minute silence, a moment that seemed to connect past and present, honoring the memory of those who did not return. According to Nub News, this tribute was one of several heartfelt gestures throughout the day.
Later, the spirit of remembrance shifted to celebration at Elworth Grange Care Home on Booth Lane. Residents, staff, and visitors enjoyed an afternoon event featuring music and a special display. Among those in attendance was 101-year-old Tom Harrison, a resident who served in Burma on minesweeper ships during the war. Harrison, joined by the Mayor and Richard Ayres, a cadet force officer at Sandbach School, was a living testament to the sacrifices of his generation. His presence, as reported by Nub News, offered a tangible link to the events being commemorated, and his stories—though not quoted directly—were surely a highlight for those present.
As the sun began to set, Sandbach’s War Memorial became the focal point for the evening’s remembrance. Crowds gathered as the Sandbach Branch of the Royal British Legion and the Sandbach and Middlewich and Comrades Branch of the Cheshire Regiment Association laid wreaths in honor of the fallen. The ceremony culminated in the lighting of a beacon atop St Mary’s Church—a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring importance of peace. The image of the illuminated church, as captured by Nub News, encapsulated the community’s collective memory and resolve.
Meanwhile, in Port Glasgow, the 80th anniversary was marked by a service of commemoration at Port Glasgow Port Parish Church. The event, led by Reverend William Boyle, brought together servicemen and women, members of the public, local politicians, council dignitaries, and the Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire. The service paid tribute to all who served in the Far East and Pacific, echoing the sentiment that these veterans, sometimes called the “forgotten army,” deserved full recognition for their contributions.
Reverend Boyle, asked by Inverclyde Council to lead the service, was joined by representatives from Port Glasgow Churches Together, including Reverend Susan Henderson of Port Glasgow United Reform Church, Dean Don Keane from St Francis of Assisi, and Captain Ian Arthur from the Salvation Army. According to The Greenock Telegraph, the church was decorated the night before by the Inverclyde Veterans Network with uniforms, flags, and mannequins dressed in period attire—an evocative display that set the tone for the day’s events.
At noon, attendees observed a two-minute silence, and Captain Arthur played the Last Post, a haunting bugle call that has long signified remembrance and respect for the fallen. The service was followed by a tea party at the Riverside Club in Port Glasgow, where veterans and community members mingled, shared stories, and reflected on the legacy of the war.
Gordon Sinclair, of the Inverclyde Veterans Network, described the day as a “big success.” He told The Greenock Telegraph, “The service was really nice and our war-time display went down a treat. We had lovely weather and a tea party.” Sinclair emphasized the significance of hearing stories from the families of servicemen who fought in the Far East and Pacific, some of whom had been prisoners of war. “It was a privilege to be able to hear their stories from their families,” he said, highlighting the ongoing importance of personal testimony in connecting new generations with history.
The event in Port Glasgow was well attended, with dignitaries including Provost Drew McKenzie, the council’s armed forces champion Councillor Graeme Brooks, MSP Stuart McMillan, and the Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire present. Their attendance underscored the broad support for honoring veterans and ensuring their stories remain part of the national consciousness.
Reverend Boyle reflected on the day, noting, “It was a great day and a good turnout. Those who fought in the Far East and the Pacific were often known as the forgotten army. While people were celebrating the end of the war in Europe, there was still a war being fought.” His words, reported by The Greenock Telegraph, resonated with many who have long felt that the sacrifices made in the final stages of World War II have not always received the attention they deserve.
Feedback from the public was overwhelmingly positive. Reverend Boyle noted, “The veterans network were great, they came into the church the night before and dressed the church with uniforms, flags and mannequins in uniforms. The feedback from the public has been very positive and people said it was a wonderful service.” These gestures of remembrance, both large and small, contributed to a sense of unity and shared purpose across generations.
The commemorations in Sandbach and Port Glasgow were not isolated events, but rather part of a wider national effort to ensure that the lessons and memories of World War II remain vivid. The 80th anniversary of VJ Day provided an opportunity for communities to reflect on the cost of conflict, the value of peace, and the enduring power of collective memory. From the lighting of beacons to the sharing of stories, the day was marked by dignity, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to remembrance.
As the evening drew to a close and the last notes of remembrance faded, those who gathered—young and old alike—left with a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices of the past and a shared hope for a peaceful future. The 80th anniversary of VJ Day, marked by ceremonies, stories, and symbols, brought history to life and ensured that the legacy of those who served will not be forgotten.
