Inverclyde marks VJ Day 80th anniversary
The Provost will join veterans, councillors, local dignitaries at members of the public at a service to mark the 80th anniversary of the surrender of Japan in the Second World War.
Victory over Japan (VJ) Day is on Friday 15 August with a special service planned to take place in Port Glasgow New Parish Church, led by Rev. William Boyle.
The council has worked with local churches and the Inverclyde Veterans Network to help coordinate the service of celebration.
Provost of Inverclyde Drew McKenzie said: “I am honoured to take part in the service to remember and celebrate those who fought in this conflict.
“While Europe celebrated the defeat of Nazi Germany and started to rebuild, in Burma, the Philippines, Malaya and Singapore, soldiers from across the Commonwealth battled tirelessly to defeat Japan.
“Their brave efforts will not be forgotten.”
Councillor Graeme Brooks, Inverclyde’s armed forces champion, added: “This year is a very special one with celebrations for the 80th anniversary of VE Day in May and now VJ Day.
“Our thanks to Inverclyde Veterans Network and the churches who have brought together this service.
“It will be a time to reflect, pay tribute and celebrate the generations who fought in the Far East and sacrificed so much.”
While the rest of Europe celebrated victory over Nazi Germany with VE Day in May 1945, the war continued thousands of miles away in the Far East and the Pacific.
Fighting in the Asia-Pacific took place from Hawaii to North East India. Britain and the Commonwealth’s principle fighting force, the Fourteenth Army, was one of the most diverse in history – more than 40 languages were spoken, and all the world’s major religions represented.
US planes dropped two atomic bombs on Hiroshima on August 6 and Nagasaki on August 9. Japan then surrendered on 15 August 1945, now known as VJ Day.
The Inverclyde service on August 15 will include the national 2-minute silence at 12pm. It will be followed by a tea party at the Riverside Club in Port Glasgow, organised by Inverclyde Veterans Network.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the service on Friday 15 August at Port Glasgow New Parish Church, which starts at 11.15am.