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News18
18 hours ago
- General
- News18
King Charles leads tributes to mark 80 years since end of World War II
London, Aug 15 (PTI) King Charles III on Friday led tributes to war veterans from around the world, including Commonwealth countries such as India, for their sacrifice as the UK commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Victory over Japan (VJ) Day was declared on August 15, 1945, following Imperial Japan's surrender to the Allied Forces. The 80-year milestone was marked with a 'National Service of Remembrance" honouring those who continued to fight and those who lost their lives during the final three months of the Second World War in the Far East. This included thousands of soldiers who served alongside British Armed Forces from countries, including pre-Partition India, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Nepal and various African nations. 'On this day of profound remembrance, I speak to you in that same spirit of commemoration and celebration as we honour anew all those whose service and sacrifice saw the forces of liberty prevail," said Charles, in an audio message recorded earlier in the month. 'Their experience reminds us that war's true cost extends beyond battlefields, touching every aspect of life – a tragedy all-too vividly demonstrated by conflicts around the world today," he said. The King and his wife, Queen Camilla, went on to lead a two-minute silence at the remembrance service held at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire, in the West Midlands region of England. An estimated 71,000 soldiers from Britain and the Commonwealth died fighting in the war against Japan, which concluded three months after Victory in Europe (VE) Day on May 8, 1945. 'Eighty years since our victory in the Second World War, we pay our respects to the many who fought, were captured, and made the ultimate sacrifice in the Far East," said Prime Minister Keir Starmer. 'Our country owes a great debt to those who fought for a better future, so we could have the freedoms and the life we enjoy today. We must honour that sacrifice with every new generation," he said. On Friday night, hundreds of buildings across the UK will be lit up to mark VJ 80, including Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London. 'We must never forget this vital part of our national story. By coming together to hear the stories of our brave VJ Day veterans first-hand, we can ensure that the legacy of our British Armed Forces and those from across the Commonwealth is passed on to future generations," said UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. 'Thirty thousand British personnel, alongside many more from Commonwealth and Allied forces, lost their lives in the Far East campaign. Their bravery and resilience forged a brighter future and after years of conflict, a lasting peace," said Defence Secretary John Healey. Commemorations have been taking place in the UK throughout this week, including a reception for war veterans hosted by Starmer at Downing Street and a sunset wreath-laying ceremony at the Memorial Gates in London on Thursday to pay tribute to Commonwealth personnel. The Imperial War Museums (IWM) new contemporary film 'August 1945: It Was Over Then' will be shown at screenings around the UK, alongside a free augmented reality trail 'August 1945: A World Changed' taking place at IWM North to tell the story of VJ Day. The events are part of the UK government's commemorations throughout 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, with this week's VJ Day 80 marking the culmination following four days of events in May to mark VE Day. PTI AK GSP GSP (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: August 15, 2025, 20:15 IST News agency-feeds King Charles leads tributes to mark 80 years since end of World War II Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
Welsh veteran Duncan Hilling honoured for wartime service
Duncan Hilling, from Saundersfoot, was recognised by Wales' First Minister Eluned Morgan during an event marking the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, which falls on August 15. Mr Hilling, who served in the Asia Pacific during the Second World War, joined the RAF in April 1944 before transferring to the Royal Welch Fusiliers. He was among the first UK forces to enter Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, just weeks after the atomic bombings. Mr Hilling said: "I was absolutely amazed by the First Minister coming to see me and giving me a letter of thanks. "I think of all the boys who were in Japan with me, nearly all of them gone now as I am nearly 100." First Minister Eluned Morgan said: "It is a privilege to personally thank Mr Hilling for his incredible service and sacrifice. "His experiences in Hiroshima and Nagasaki remind us of the true cost of war and the courage of those who served in Asia Pacific. "On this 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we honour all veterans like Mr Hilling who helped secure the peace and freedom we enjoy today."
Powys County Times
22-06-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Powys council pays tribute as UK marks Armed Forces Day
Powys County Council has paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces and their families ahead of this year's national day of recognition. The council has expressed its gratitude to UK service personnel as the country prepares to observe Armed Forces Day. This year's event carries added importance as it coincides with the 80th anniversary commemorations of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day. Councillor Matthew Dorrance, deputy leader of Powys County Council, said: "Armed Forces Day is a moment to reflect on the dedication and bravery of our Armed Forces. "I want to express my sincere gratitude to all those who serve and have served in uniform. "I am immensely proud of our servicemen and servicewomen – their commitment represents the highest form of public service." Cllr Dorrance, who also serves as the council's Armed Forces Champion and chairs the Armed Forces Covenant Regional Partnership Powys, added: "I encourage residents to take part in local events, fly the flag, and show their appreciation – whether by attending a parade, sharing messages of support on social media, or simply thanking a veteran or service member in your community. "Every gesture counts."
New Statesman
14-05-2025
- Politics
- New Statesman
Letter of the week: The legacy of lasting peace
Photo by Shaun Curry/Getty David Reynolds' observation that the ideals of 'unity, hope, love and peace' which have come to characterise VE Day were perhaps more relevant in 1945 and 1995 is uncomfortably and inconveniently true. But while it is important to consider Bosnia, Sudan, Cambodia, and other genocides, such as Rwanda, when conducting an honest assessment of the trajectory from VE (and VJ) Day 80 years ago, it is equally important to note that they all occurred in spite of institutions such as the UN and Nato – not because of them. And without Nato, one need only imagine how, for example, the Balkans might have looked with a 'Greater Serbia' at its heart. This is why leaders of the democratic world must recalibrate foreign policy and retain a clear focus on the values for which VE and VJ Day were fought, and ensure they are not compromised at any cost. The axis of Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping has displaced the geopolitical order of the world. Those committed to democracy and unity must persevere, and remember that without meaningful 'unity, hope, love, and peace', the currency of the democratised world is debased. Jordan Scott, Newcastle Labour on notice Those working in the public services have been keeping things going for years despite increased workloads, reduced real pay and other stresses. Simultaneously, cash-strapped parents have been struggling to do their best for their families. As last week's editorial and Andrew Marr's article (Politics, 9 May) both outlined, too little is being done by the government to remedy things. The need for a 'hard reset' is urgent but the government seems largely oblivious. A failure to reset means another four years of far less social improvement than could be attained and is needed. In all likelihood, it would be followed by a very damaging right-wing administration. It is time for Labour MPs to put the present leadership on notice – as the electorate did on 1 May. In particular the leadership needs to know that if they do not embrace progressive taxation they will be replaced. Mike Shone, Stafford Andrew Marr discusses what Labour needs to do to counter the progress of Reform. The people who voted for Reform want to improve their prospects and halt the decline in the areas where they live, whether that be the deindustrialised parts of the north-east and Midlands or the coastal areas which have lost their fishing and tourist industries. People living in these areas feel neglected by the mainstream parties and yearn for the lost 'halcyon days' of full employment, skilled jobs and strong communities. They have more in common with people in the deindustrialised areas of the US or Russia, which have also seen an authoritarian turn in politics, than prosperous parts of the UK. Labour needs to confront Reform by demonstrating to these communities (and the trade unions) how skilled jobs in new eco-technology can bring back strong employment. It needs to introduce progressive taxation to encourage people back into work and reduce income inequality. It needs to show how migrants have contributed to the UK and economic growth over many years. Finally, Labour needs to decentralise and properly fund local government so that local people can be involved in local decision-making. People know their own communities better than Whitehall. Ruth Potter, Stamford Bridge Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe No name calling Jason Cowley's latest column about Nigel Farage raises an important point when highlighting that many of his opponents direct ad hominem abuse at him with 'ever-diminishing effect'. While this is undoubtedly a problem, it suggests that he is more sinned against than sinning. Farage, like Boris Johnson before him, is incapable of engaging in a rational debate, and often resorts to snide comments and bluster when his policies are challenged effectively. It should be the task of his opponents (wherever they sit on the political spectrum) to stop the name calling. His mask will inevitably slip and he'll show his true character to the electorate when his policies are given detailed scrutiny. Jeff Howells, London SE25 Common law In both her article (Out of the Ordinary, 9 May) and in her recent interview with Naz Shah, Hannah Barnes discusses the assisted dying bill as if it were a pioneering piece of legislation. In fact, similar laws have existed in at least 22 other jurisdictions for anything up to 23 years without a single one having been repealed. These laws have given terminally ill people in great suffering the opportunity to end their lives in dignity, and surrounded by their loved ones, something our existing legal system cruelly denies them. Coercion? In my experience, far from greedy people wanting to see the end of their dying relatives, it is common for relatives of those seeking an assisted death to try to dissuade them because they cannot bear to see them go. The subheading of the article is 'What will the full impact of the assisted dying bill be? We still can't be certain.' To my knowledge, not a single bill has ever been passed with complete certainty about its outcome. Philip Graham, London NW5 Deadly stalemate Jeremy Bowen refers to the illusion on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides 'that 'total victory' is possible' (Cover Story, 9 May). If neither antagonist is able to prevail and impose its will on the other, then it can only be a matter of time before the reality of this essential truth dawns on both parties. The utopian belief of securing 'total victory' will have to make way for the practical realism of securing a negotiated peace. Of course just how many Israelis and Palestinians will still be around to enjoy the fruits of peace is another question. Ivor Morgan, Lincoln Whiners take it all Well done Will Dunn for generating a new category, 'public nuisance capitalism' (Money Matters, 9 May), which seems to be prompted by notions of individual liberty as absurdly amplified as the audio played by headphoneless commuters. It's all about taking social responsibility for what you sell consumers. Is there a parallel here with investors happy to brag about the creative risks they are taking but are then all too ready to whine about how their losses should be covered by the taxpayer? David Perry, Cambridge Write to letters@ We reserve the right to edit letters [See also: Pope Leo XIV's centrist papacy] Related
South Wales Argus
08-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Senedd unites to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day
Eluned Morgan gave a statement ahead of VE Day on May 8, which marks 80 years since Allied victory over Nazi Germany during the Second World War. She told the Senedd: 'This wasn't just another date in the history books. This was a moment that changed lives – that changed Wales – that changed our world. 'For us in Wales, this wasn't some distant battlefield victory. This touched every street, every village, every family. Over 15,000 Welsh people never came home. Thousands more returned with wounds, both visible and hidden. We must never forget them.' Baroness Morgan also acknowledged Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on August 15, when the Second World War came to an end, during her statement on May 6. The first minister said: 'Think about what our communities endured – loved ones gone for years, strict rationing and the terror of bombs falling. 'This wasn't a far-away war; it brought terror to Wales, in particular through the Blitz and its raids on the ports of south Wales and Pembroke Dock. 'My own father's house took a direct hit in Tremorfa in Cardiff docks, it was utterly obliterated and luckily they'd just reached the Anderson shelter in time. 'Whilst my mother until very recently talked about the one stray bomb that landed near the playground in St Davids in Pembrokeshire. Can you imagine what that day felt like 80 years ago, the sheer relief and joy that swept across Wales?' Baroness Morgan will attend a service at Llandaff Cathedral and join prime minister Keir Starmer at Westminster Abbey on VE Day itself. The Welsh Labour leader said: 'What I find most powerful about this anniversary is how it reminds us that our victory wasn't just Welsh or British – it was a global effort. 'People from every corner of the world came together to defeat the darkness of Nazism. That diversity is now reflected in who we are as a nation and we should celebrate that."
