Latest news with #VictoryoverJapan
Western Telegraph
3 hours ago
- General
- Western Telegraph
VJ Day: Act of Remembrance at Haverfordwest Cenotaph
Councillor Thomas Tudor, who represents Castle Ward and is a member of the Haverfordwest Branch Royal British Legion, attended an act of remembrance marking Victory over Japan (VJ) Day at Haverfordwest Cenotaph, followed by a service at Saint David's Church. He said: "As county councillor for the Castle Ward and member of the Haverfordwest Branch Royal British Legion it was an honour to attend an act of remembrance and thanksgiving commemorating Victory over Japan Day at Haverfordwest Cenotaph, followed by a service at Saint David's Church, Prendergast, conducted by the Reverend Heather Cale." VJ Day marks the anniversary of August 15, 1945, when Japan announced its surrender to the Allied forces, bringing the Second World War to a close. While the news was met with relief and celebrations, the day also carried deep sorrow due to the heavy human cost of the conflict. More than 90,000 British troops were casualties in the war against Japan, including 30,000 who died and 37,500 who were held as prisoners of war. The Japanese government accepted the Allied surrender terms on August 14, following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Soviet Union's declaration of war on Japan. VJ Day was declared the following day. Celebrations erupted across the Allied nations, from New York to New Delhi, and from Manchester to Melbourne. VJ Day continues to serve as a reminder of the cost of conflict and the importance of peace.
New York Post
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Prince Harry secretly pays tribute to late grandfather Prince Philip after King Charles exits VJ Day service
Prince Harry paid heartfelt tribute to VJ Day heroes, including his late grandfather, Prince Philip, in a very discrete way during Friday's poignant service, The Post can confirm. While the Duke of Sussex remained in Montecito, Calif., during the Aug. 15 Victory over Japan commemorations, Harry did enlist the help of his close friend to place a letter and a wreath on his behalf. Harry's pal, whose name has not been revealed, discretely placed the items at the Burma Star Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, England. Advertisement 5 Prince Harry paid heartfelt tribute to VJ Day heroes in a very discrete way during Friday's poignant service, The Post can confirm. Getty Images However, the duke specifically asked that it be laid only after King Charles and Queen Camilla had exited the remembrance service, which marked 80 years since Japan's surrender at the end of the Second World War. Harry, who has 10 years of military experience under his belt, mentioned his late grandfather in the letter, which was addressed to the 'Forgotten Army.' Advertisement The 'Spare' author, 40, stated that their 'courage and endurance' were 'anything but forgettable,' per GB News. 'For me, this anniversary carries an added layer of meaning,' the duke wrote. 'My late grandfather, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, served in the Pacific campaign.' 5 The Duke of Sussex enlisted the help of his close friend in carrying out his tribute to his late grandfather, Prince Philip. Getty Images 'He spoke with quiet humility about those years, but I know how deeply he respected all who stood beside him in that theatre of war,' the Invictus Games founder went on. Advertisement 'Today, as I think of him, I think also of each of you, of the shared hardships, the bonds forged, and the legacy you leave.' The royal, who rose to the rank of Captain during his time in the military, said he's 'humbled' by the example of the VJ Day heroes, saying he is 'proud' and 'grateful' for their service and dedication. 5 Harry has 10 years of military experience under his belt and rose to the rank of Captain during his time in the military. AP 'Your story is part of our shared heritage, and it must never be forgotten. With the deepest respect, thank you,' added Harry, who had completed two tours of Afghanistan where he flew in combat missions. Advertisement The duke's grandfather, who died in 2021 at age 99, was famously onboard the destroyer HMS Whelp in Tokyo Bay when Japanese officials signed the surrender on the USS Missouri. Follow The Post's royal family live blog for the latest pics, news, exclusive details and more His son, King Charles, spoke publicly of his father's past during the 75th anniversary back in 2020 — though made no mention of the late duke in his address to the nation Friday. Instead, His Majesty paid tribute to his great-uncle, Earl Mountbatten, who, as Supreme Allied Commander of the South East Asia Command, played a key role in halting the Japanese advance toward India. 5 The Aug. 15 remembrance service marked 80 years since Japan's surrender at the end of the Second World War. via REUTERS Harry, for his part, continued in his letter, 'You faced an enemy determined to the last, fought in unforgiving terrain, and endured months, even years, far from home, in conditions most could scarcely imagine. 'Your service in the jungles and mountains of Burma and beyond was marked by grit, unity, and sacrifice.' Advertisement 'It is because of that sacrifice that generations since, myself included, have been able to live in freedom,' he went on. 'From the lessons of that bitter struggle came the understanding that even the fiercest of foes can, in time, become valued partners in peace.' The poignant letter was signed 'Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex' and featured the duke's cypher of a H underneath a crown. 5 King Charles and Queen Camilla at a service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day in Alrewas, Britain, August 15, 2025. via REUTERS Advertisement In 2020 — the year Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, quit royal life and moved to the US — the duke was left disappointed after his request to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph was denied. Months later, the late Queen Elizabeth II stripped Harry of his military patronages following his decision to step down as a senior member of the Firm.
ITV News
a day ago
- ITV News
Burma veteran James Fenton's 200-mile journey to pay his respects alongside King Charles for VJ Day
James Fenton's 200-mile journey from the Isle of Man to the National Memorial Arboretum One of the last remaining Burma veterans has travelled more than 200 miles to pay his respects to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. At his peaceful home on the Isle of Man, James Fenton received an invitation to attend the national commemorations at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. However, at 103-years-old James rarely leaves the Isle of Man, but it was an offer he couldn't refuse - leading to an unforgettable journey. It began on Wednesday, two days before the 80th anniversary commemorations on 15 August. James was busy packing for the journey, looking ahead at what was to come. He said: "As time has gone on, I've got more and more excited. "I'm hoping that I'm going to see some other veterans - there can't be many!" James fought in what many describe as 'The Forgotten Army'. Deployed in Burma at the age of 20, where he fought with the 178 Field Regiment of the Royal Artillery. The following day James arrived at Ronaldsway Airport, ready to fly to Birmingham. He was accompanied by his carer Sheila Healey, who has been dedicated to looking after veterans on the Isle of Man for many years. She lost her uncle Pte James Owen during WWII who fought in the Burma campaign, believed to be killed in action during the Battle of Imphal in May 1944, aged 23. Both James and Sheila received special treatment through Ronaldsway Airport and onto the plane, before listening to a personal message from the pilot as they boarded. Speaking the passengers, the captain said: "We are joined by Burma veteran James Fenton. It's an honour to be a part of your journey to the memorial James, and thank you for your service". Once in Birmingham, James travelled to his hotel, ahead of the special commemoration the next day. On Friday 15 August 33 veterans aged from 96 to 105 who served in the Far East and Pacific, gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum. A commemoration marking 80 years since Victory over Japan, or VJ Day, that will likely be one of the final major gatherings of veterans from the conflicts. Also in attendance was His Majesty King Charles and Queen Camilla, giving James the opportunity to meet with both. Speaking with the King after the service, James invited the monarch to visit the Isle of Man, while also handing him a Manx pin badge, which he took away with him. He told the monarch: "It's an invitation hoping that you will come, in the very near future, and visit our island. And we would most be welcoming Sir.' The King replied: "I must try". James also spoke with the Queen during the outdoor ceremony, followed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer who was also in attendance. The event included a guard of honour from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, with music provided by military bands. A Battle of Britain Memorial Flight led a flypast featuring the historic Dakota, Hurricane and Spitfire aircraft, followed by a national two-minute silence held at midday. At dawn, military bagpipers performed the lament 'Battle's O'er' at The Cenotaph, in the Far East section of the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, and at Edinburgh Castle. A piper also performed at a Japanese peace garden to reflect the reconciliation which has taken place between the UK and Japan in the decades since the Second World War. James concluded by describing the commemoration as "the most special day of my life", adding that meeting the King and Queen was "wonderful". The 103-year-old finished the day posing for a group photo, showing some of the last few remaining veterans he fought during WWII. Concluding what will likely be one of James' final journeys of remembrance, and rounding off a visit he will never forget.
News18
4 days 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.
Int'l Business Times
5 days ago
- General
- Int'l Business Times
UK King, Starmer Lead VJ Day Tributes To WWII Veterans, Survivors
King Charles III led commemorations Friday for World War II veterans and those who lived through the devastating conflict, lauding their "courage" as Britain marked the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. Charles and Queen Camilla were joined by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, other dignitaries and dozens of veterans at a remembrance service for Victory over Japan day at the National Memorial Arboretum in central England. The trio laid wreaths and floral tributes at the memorial, before attendees and others across the country observed two minutes' silence at noon to mark the eight decades since Japan surrendered. The 33 veterans at the service, which also featured flypasts by the Red Arrows acrobatic display team and WWII-era aircraft, all served in East Asia and the Pacific, and are now aged from 96 to 105. In an audio message released ahead of the poignant event, Charles vowed the "service and sacrifice" of those who "saw the forces of liberty prevail" will "never be forgotten". "The courage and camaraderie displayed in humanity's darkest hour is a flame that shall blaze for eternity -- a beacon that honours our past and guides our future," he said in the six-minute address. "Let us therefore pledge to be vigilant guardians of the values they bequeathed to us." Charles met some of the veterans at the Arboretum before joining them and their families at a reception hosted by the Royal British Legion armed forces charity. Some WWII survivors also played a role in Friday's televised ceremony, with army veteran Owen Filer reading the dedication written on the Kohima Epitaph laid in memory of the 1944 Battle of Kohima in southeast Asia. "When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today," the 103-year-old said. Other remembrance events took place around the UK, including at the Tower of London, at Belfast City Hall and in Edinburgh -- where a lone piper played on the battlements of the city's castle. In his message to the nation, the king linked WWII with "conflicts around the world today", arguing it remained a reminder that "war's true cost extends beyond battlefields, touching every aspect of life". WWII veterans "proved that, in times of war and in times of peace, the greatest weapons of all are not the arms you bear, but the arms you link". Ahead of Friday's commemorations, Starmer held Thursday a special reception for veterans at Downing Street. At the event, he recalled hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky there Thursday morning, adding Ukraine's leader is "fighting for the same values as we were fighting for". "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," Starmer told those gathered. "We must honour that sacrifice with every new generation." In his audio message, Charles also urged recognition of the devastation caused by the atomic bombings of Japan, which led the country's Emperor Hirohito to announce its unconditional surrender to the Allies. That came nine days after the first bomb was dropped. "We should also pause to acknowledge that in the war's final act, an immense price was paid by the citizens of Hiroshima and Nagasaki -- a price we pray no nation need ever pay again," the UK king said. August 15, 1945, signalled the end of the six-year-long war, though VJ Day is celebrated on September 2 in the United States, marking the date the official surrender documents were signed. In mainland China, it is celebrated on September 3. In Japan on Friday, Emperor Naruhito spoke of his "deep remorse", as tens of thousands of people braved blazing heat to pay their respects at Tokyo's controversial Yasukuni Shrine. It honours 2.5 million mostly Japanese soldiers who perished since the late 19th century, but also enshrines convicted war criminals. Britain's head of state King Charles III led commemorations for the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day and the end of World War II AFP The Red Arrows aerobatic display team flew past a national service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum AFP WWII veterans 'proved that, in times of war and in times of peace, the greatest weapons of all are not the arms you bear, but the arms you link', Charles said AFP
