Through their community spirit and their bravery and their determination for a better world, they’ve shown us what we can achieve when we pull together.” “It’s important that as we face the challenges of today, we take inspiration from that generation. “On behalf of the Labour party, I want to pay tribute to the wartime generation, who through the horrors of conflict showed us the spirit and determination that we need to always remember and always be grateful for. Starmer said: “The conflict in the Pacific and south-east Asia was particularly cruel and saw many British, Commonwealth and allied troops lose their lives fighting for a better world and a better future. The Labour leader, Keir Starmer, also paid tribute to those caught up in the conflict, saying they “gave so much, not only to defend our country but for freedom across the world”. “Their immeasurable sacrifice changed the course of history and at today’s commemorations, we take the opportunity to say what should be said every day – thank you.” “Unable to celebrate the victory in Europe, and among the last to return home, today we recognise the bravery and ingenuity of those who, in the face of adversity, restored peace and prosperity to the world. Johnson said: “On this 75th anniversary of the end of the second world war, we pay tribute to the heroes deployed thousands of miles away in the mountains, islands and rainforests of Asia. The Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, Donald Trump and Johnson also delivered remarks. They included the Malawian president, Lazarus Chakwera, the Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari, and the Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison. Shortly after 10am, the BBC broadcast the Friendship of Nations, which included 10 world leaders paying tribute to all who served. “Today we remember those who endured terrible suffering and honour all those who lost their lives.” It is hard for us to imagine what Victory over Japan Day must have felt like at the time a mix of happiness, jubilation and sheer relief, together with a deep sadness and overwhelming sense of loss for those who would never return home.

“We are forever grateful to all those who fought alongside us.

“As he marked the moment the world had long prayed for, King George expressed his pride in the international effort from across the Commonwealth and allied nations which secured success in the Asia-Pacific region,” he said. William spoke of how King George VI addressed the nation as “the most catastrophic conflict in mankind’s history came to an end”. The Covid-19 pandemic has meant tributes to mark the landmark anniversary have been organised online and on television, with the Duke of Cambridge appearing on screens across the country in VJ Day 75: The Nation’s Tribute, a pre-recorded BBC programme filmed at Horse Guards Parade. The prince’s wreath read: “In everlasting remembrance, Charles,” while the duchess’s poppy posy read: “In everlasting remembrance of your service and sacrifice.” The defence secretary, Ben Wallace, was joined by military chiefs as he laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in London on Saturday morning.Ĭharles and the duchess laid poppy posies and wreaths at the Kwai Railway Memorial, while veterans looked on from nearby benches in order to maintain social distancing. Military pipers also played at dawn in India, Australia, New Zealand and Nepal. The day began with a piper playing Battle’s Over at the Imperial War Museum’s HMS Belfast in London at sunrise, as part of a tribute entitled Waking Up to Peace.

75th victory day