Pembrokeshire town's special services to mark VJ Day anniversary
Commemorative events in the town began at 11am with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tenby war memorial, with town mayor Cllr Dai Morgan amongst the many representative of local groups and organisations paying tribute.
VJ Day marks 15 August 1945, the day Japan surrendered and brought World War Two to a close.
Tenby Royal British Legionchairman Shane Roberts lays a wreath, watched by the mayor of Tenby. Cllr Dai Morgan. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography)
Piper Graham Phillips played during the service. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography)
A large and respectful gathering stood in Tenby's South Parade for the wreath-laying, remembering the sacrifices of thousands of servicemen and women, including those who faced extreme conditions as prisoners of war or served in some of the most challenging theatres of war.
Town Crier Erin Morgan proclaimed the start of the war memorial service. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography)
One local resident who served in the Far East is 99-year-old Duncan Hilling of Saundersfoot, who has just been honoured by Wales First Minister, Eluned Morgan.
Read more
Pembrokeshire war veteran, 99, personally thanked by First Minister
Mr Hilling is the senior member of Tenby Male Choir, whose proud fellow choristers said they saluted his service.
Dyfed-Powys Police was amongst the organisations represented at the service. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography)
The ceremony at the war memorial was followed at midday by a special service of commemoration in St Mary's Church, Tenby conducted by the Rev Steven Brett.
Youth organisations joined in the Tenby tribute. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography)
The chairman of the Tenby branch of the Royal British Legion, Shane Roberts, then led a presentation celebrating the lives of veterans and loved ones connected to the conflict, as well as local organisations affiliated to the Royal British Legion.
The mayor of Tenby, Cllr Dai Morgan, lays a wreath on behalf of the town. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography)
The beautiful floral cross in the Tenby war memorial grounds. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography)
Members of Tenby Town Council joined in the service. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography)
VJ Day 80 marks the end of World War Two in 1945. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography)
The mayor of Tenby, Cllr Dai Morgan said: "VJ Day allows us to pay tribute to those whose service and sacrifice in the Far East are too often overlooked.
"These commemorations are a chance for our community to come together, to remember, and to ensure that their legacy lives on."
Tenby Town Council also acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the Tenby Branch of the Royal British Legion, who continue to ensure the stories of these veterans are remembered and respected.
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