Events to mark 80th anniversary of VJ Day

A series of commemorative events to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day are set to take place across Bradford.

VJ Day, or Victory over Japan Day, is commemorated on 15 August each year, and marks the date in 1945 when Japan surrendered to the Allied forces, ending World War Two.

The first event - Celebrating Bradford VJ Day - will take place at Fountains Church later, while services of remembrance will be held in Bradford, Ilkley and Keighley on Friday.

Lord Mayor of Bradford Mohammed Shafiq said: "It is important that we take this opportunity to remember the sacrifices that people made and those who have gone before us."

"I hope as many people as possible will attend the events or take time to stop what they are doing and take part in the national two minutes silence at noon on Friday," he added.

The service of Remembrance in Bradford will take place at Bradford Cenotaph at from 11:45 BST.

Led by Reverend Canon Ned Lunn from Bradford Cathedral and attended by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford, it will include the national two-minutes silence.

VJ Day falls more than three months after VE Day, when fighting stopped in Europe following Germany's surrender.

An estimated 71,000 soldiers from Britain and the Commonwealth died fighting in Japan, including upwards of 12,000 prisoners of war held in Japanese captivity.

Joanne Dodds, Bradford Council's Armed Forces Champion, said: "Everyone is welcome to attend any of the events to show support for the Armed Forces veterans.

"VJ Day is a time to remember the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of those who fought for peace and freedom."

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