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Powys County Times
a day ago
- General
- Powys County Times
Powys town to hold events for VJ Day 80th anniversary
Llanfyllin is holding a day of commemorations later this week to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day which marked the end of World War Two. Llanfyllin Town Council is holding a day of remembrance on Friday, August 15. The commemoration will involve a series of events throughout the day, from wreath laying to a war memorabilia exhibition and a beacon lighting ceremony. The wreath laying ceremony, planned to be held at the town's war memorial at 10.45am, will be led by Rev Hermoine Morris with representatives from the Royal British Legion, local organisations, veterans and dignitaries. Llanfyllin Public Institute will then be hosting a war memorabilia exhibition from 1pm, inviting people to explore local wartime exhibits. Finally, at 8.20pm, a beacon lighting ceremony will take place at Cae Bodfach community field. The ceremony will include words from Llanfyllin mayor Cllr Andrew Griffin, before lighting the beacon in what the council says will be a 'symbol of hope, unit and remembrance'. A spokesperson for the council said: 'Join us in a day of remembrance, reflection and community as we commemorate Victory over Japan Day, honouring those who served and sacrificed in the Far East during World War Two. 'Let's come together as a community to mark this important national moment.' Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get Unlimited access to the Oswestry Advertizer website Advert-light access Reader rewards Earlier this year, Llanfyllin held a similar variety of commemorations to mark 80 years since VE Day, when Germany surrendered on May 8, 1945, bringing the war to an end in Europe. VJ Day marks the day Imperial Japan surrendered in 1945, effectively ending the war worldwide just days after the United States dropped two atomic bombs on the country, killing between 150,000 and 246,000 civilians. Days after the bombings, the Japanese government communicated its intention to surrender under the terms of the Potsdam Declaration, with Emperor Hirohito making the announcement over radio to the Japanese people. In the UK, VJ Day is recognised as August 15, the day of the surrender announcement, while in the US it is September 2, the day the surrender document was signed on board the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
Rhyl Journal
5 days ago
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Second World War veteran honoured in Rhuddlan on VJ Day
The tribute took place during Rhuddlan's VJ Day-themed Picnic in the Park on Saturday, August 2, held in honour of Victory over Japan Day. The event was attended by Vale of Clwyd MS Gareth Davies and county councillor Ann Davies, who both met Basil Pierce, a Second World War veteran who served in the Pacific. Mr Pierce will turn 100 next month and has lived in Rhyl, Denbigh, and now Rhuddlan. Mr Davies said: "We were deeply honoured to participate in the early VJ Day commemorations, paying tribute to the enduring sacrifices of our service members, whose commitment to our freedoms and nation will never be forgotten. "The privilege of speaking with Basil, a WWII veteran and centenarian, was a poignant reminder of the dwindling number of those who served. "It's important to remember the remarkable service of British troops in the Pacific theatre, whose courage and contributions remain an unforgettable part of our history." The Picnic in the Park, now in its second year, was organised by Rhuddlan Town Council and featured 1940s-themed entertainment, volunteer fair stalls, and community activities. The event aimed to honour the 365,000 British servicemen who served in the Pacific and contributed to the end of the war. Ms Davies said: "It was a pleasure to honour Basil at this VJ celebration. "Basil is an inspiration to many of us. "Despite being modest about the significance of what he and his fellow veterans did for our country, I think he enjoyed the afternoon. "We must never forget."
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
VJ Day 80th anniversary service in Blaenavon, Torfaen
Torfaen County Borough Council is organising the event to commemorate Victory over Japan Day, which marked the end of the Second World War in the Pacific theatre. The service will be held at 7pm on Friday, August 15, at St Peter's Church in Blaenavon. Councillor Anthony Hunt, leader of Torfaen County Borough Council, said: "VJ Day marks the final chapter of the Second World War and the beginning of peace after years of global conflict. "As we gather to reflect 80 years on, we honour the courage, resilience and sacrifice of those who served in the Pacific theatre. "Their legacy is one of peace, and it is our duty to remember and uphold the values they fought for. "Everyone is welcome to join the service in Blaenavon to pay tribute to this extraordinary generation." The service will be led by Reverend Dr Chris Walters and will include a slow march of standards and clergy, accompanied by processional music from Matthew Bartlett, known as The Welsh Wedding Bagpiper. Readings will be given by Phillip Alderman, HM Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Gwent, and The Rt Hon Nick Thomas-Symonds MP. The Toodle Pips, a South Wales vocal trio, will perform wartime classics including We'll Meet Again and Mr Sandman. Earlier this year, Torfaen marked VE Day 80 with a service at St Gabriel's Church in Cwmbran. The VJ Day service is open to all and aims to provide a space for reflection on the sacrifices made to secure peace and freedom. For more information about the event, contact Chris Slade on 01495 762200 or email
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
Seeds of trees which survived Hiroshima help build new Glasgow garden
Children from local schools have helped design the space, which was officially opened today (August 6) to mark the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima Day and to commemorate Victory over Japan Day and the end of World War Two. The new garden, dedicated to peace, remembrance and education, is part of the global Mayors for Peace initiative which encourages the planting of hibaku trees - descendants of those which survived Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Japan-born Botanic Gardens curator Hiro Shimai, whose mother witnessed the Hiroshima bombing, is nurturing the gingko biloba seeds and will oversee their future planting. Hiro Shimai (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) Hiro said: 'Just after the bombing in Hiroshima in 1945, it was believed that no plants could grow for decades because of the radioactivity. 'Only some trees in the city of Hiroshima survived, and the ginkgo was one of them although it was seriously damaged. However, vigorous new shoot growth from the survivor ginkgo tree encouraged people in the city.' North Kelvinside Primary pupils Rajveer, 10 and Jasbir, 7, with their mum (who is also a teacher at the school) Kanta Rakhra, with Daria Sato, president of the Japan Society at the University of Glasgow (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) Seeds collected from the survivor ginkgo tree were donated to Glasgow City Council by Mayors for Peace in 2023. The seeds successfully germinated, and the seedlings were carefully maintained by the staff members at the Botanic Gardens. 'The second generation of the ginkgo, whose mother tree experienced the nuclear disaster, would tell us the importance of peace,' said Hiro. The garden has been developed in partnership with Glasgow CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament). (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) Chairperson Jean Anderson said: 'On this momentous anniversary of 80 years since the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Glasgow CND is proud that our Lord Provost has been instrumental in creating a new Peace Garden. 'It will be a place of calmness and thoughtfulness and a refuge from the conflicts that surround us. 'We hope that the future will see better times, and that Robert Burns' words will come true: man to man, the world o'er, shall brithers be for a' that.' (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) Although the gingko biloba seeds will not be ready for planting for another two to three years, the garden's symbolic elements are already in place. These include two commemorative benches with plaques acknowledging the international peace initiative, and information boards sharing the history of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and Glasgow's commitment to peace. (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) Pupils from St Charles and North Kelvinside Primary schools also contributed artwork and essays reflecting on the themes of peace, remembrance and resilience for the launch, and a digital exhibition. Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren said the children's creative work 'helped to ensure that the voices of young Glaswegians are at the heart of this living memorial.' She added: 'Glasgow's Peace Garden will stand as a testament to our collective commitment to peace. 'The hibaku seeds - survivors of unimaginable devastation - will grow here as living symbols of resilience and hope. Much like peace itself, they require care, patience and community effort to flourish.' The Lord Provost said she was 'especially pleased' that young people from the area had been involved in the project. 'Their thoughtful contributions remind us that peace is not only a legacy to honour, but a responsibility to pass on,' she added. The unveiling coincided with the General Conference of Mayors for Peace in Nagasaki, where a message from the Lord Provost is being delivered by the UK and Ireland Chapter Secretary, reaffirming Glasgow's solidarity with cities around the world committed to peace. The launch of the Peace Garden comes ahead of a service of commemoration on VJ Day (August 15) being held at Glasgow Cathedral at 11am, to which the public are welcome.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cumbria's Museum of Military Life hosts fourth annual military festival
Cumbria's Museum of Military Life hosted its annual multi-period encampment last weekend. The Carlisle Castle event, on May 31 and June 1, showcased military history, from Norman knights to the modern army. Visitors explored tents, equipment, and demonstrations, with medieval combat displays and Home Guard rifle drills bringing history to life. Home Guard re-enactors from the Victory in Europe Re-enactment Group (VERA) (Image: Cumbria's Museum of Military Life) Rachel Brodie, learning and events co-ordinator at the museum, said: "The re-enactors certainly bring the castle to life and provide visitors with a real insight into army life through the ages. "The range of activities and demonstrations on offer provides something for everyone. "It is great to see people having a good day out." Re-enactors cooking, Norman style (Image: Cumbria's Museum of Military Life) The Parade Square featured military vehicles, including the museum's Armoured Scout Car, while children enjoyed activities in the popular KidsZone. Ryan Aitken, a re-enactor, said: "This is the 80th anniversary year of Victory over Japan Day. "Our display with a Far East theme enables us to discuss the Border Regiment's part in Burma and people are really interested in the soldier's kit and equipment. "We love being part of this event." Members of the Second World War Combined Forces Living History Group (Image: Cumbria's Museum of Military Life) The event was supported by the Solway Aviation Museum and the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, with veterans from the Regimental Association and Royal British Legion also in attendance. As part of commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day, the museum is currently displaying items from its Second World War collections. A new temporary exhibition, Gretna 110: The Quintinshill Rail Disaster of 1915, opened on Saturday morning, and is currently on loan from the Royal Scots Museum in Edinburgh. Plans are now underway for the fifth Military Festival in 2026.
