Colchester will come together on Friday, 15 August, to mark 80 years since Victory over Japan (VJ) Day – the moment that brought the Second World War to an end. The commemorations will honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the Far East and Pacific, and all whose lives were forever changed by the conflict.
Events begin at 11.45am at the Burma Star Association Memorial in Castle Park, where a two-minute National Silence will be observed. The commemorations will be led by the Deputy Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Andrew Ellis.
The memorial was dedicated in 2015 by the Colchester and District branch of the Burma Star Association to mark the 70th anniversary of VJ Day. The association, which brought together veterans of the Burma Campaign, has since closed as the number of surviving members has declined, making the site a lasting focus for remembrance in the city.
The service, which is open to the public, will invite the community to pay tribute to those who gave their lives and acknowledge the impact of the war on families and civilians. As part of the commemorations, the VJ Day flag – a national emblem of remembrance for those who served in the Far East – will fly above the Town Hall.
Other civic and military dignitaries in attendance at the Castle Park service will include: HM Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst; Pam Cox MP; the Right Reverend Roger Morris, Bishop of Colchester; Cllr Ray Gooding, Chairman of Essex County Council; Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council; Lt Col Ed Rankin, Garrison Commander; Mayor of Wivenhoe, Cllr Jon Guy; Jane Gardner, Deputy Police, Fire Crime and Commissioner, and representatives from Essex Police.
The Deputy Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Andrew Ellis, said: “VJ Day was the final chapter in one of the darkest periods in human history, and it is right that we pause to honour those whose service and sacrifice brought about the hard‑won peace we enjoy today.
“As we gather in Castle Park, we will reflect not only on the courage of those who served, but also on the resilience of the communities who endured so much at home. Eighty years on, their legacy continues to inspire us.”
Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin, Commander of Colchester Garrison, said: “Many soldiers, sailors, and aviators from Colchester fought in the brutal, and often overlooked, battles in the Far East. VJ Day marked their victory and the end of the Second World War, which secured the freedoms we now enjoy. Then, as now, the military is drawn from society, and it is important that we unite with the civilian community to honour the achievements and sacrifices of all who served.”
Victory over Japan was declared on 15 August 1945, closing six years of global conflict. The 80th anniversary offers a moment for reflection, gratitude, and remembrance for all who contributed to the defeat of Japan.
Events begin at 11.45am at the Burma Star Association Memorial in Castle Park, where a two-minute National Silence will be observed. The commemorations will be led by the Deputy Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Andrew Ellis.
The memorial was dedicated in 2015 by the Colchester and District branch of the Burma Star Association to mark the 70th anniversary of VJ Day. The association, which brought together veterans of the Burma Campaign, has since closed as the number of surviving members has declined, making the site a lasting focus for remembrance in the city.
The service, which is open to the public, will invite the community to pay tribute to those who gave their lives and acknowledge the impact of the war on families and civilians. As part of the commemorations, the VJ Day flag – a national emblem of remembrance for those who served in the Far East – will fly above the Town Hall.
Other civic and military dignitaries in attendance at the Castle Park service will include: HM Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst; Pam Cox MP; the Right Reverend Roger Morris, Bishop of Colchester; Cllr Ray Gooding, Chairman of Essex County Council; Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council; Lt Col Ed Rankin, Garrison Commander; Mayor of Wivenhoe, Cllr Jon Guy; Jane Gardner, Deputy Police, Fire Crime and Commissioner, and representatives from Essex Police.
The Deputy Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Andrew Ellis, said: “VJ Day was the final chapter in one of the darkest periods in human history, and it is right that we pause to honour those whose service and sacrifice brought about the hard‑won peace we enjoy today.
“As we gather in Castle Park, we will reflect not only on the courage of those who served, but also on the resilience of the communities who endured so much at home. Eighty years on, their legacy continues to inspire us.”
Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin, Commander of Colchester Garrison, said: “Many soldiers, sailors, and aviators from Colchester fought in the brutal, and often overlooked, battles in the Far East. VJ Day marked their victory and the end of the Second World War, which secured the freedoms we now enjoy. Then, as now, the military is drawn from society, and it is important that we unite with the civilian community to honour the achievements and sacrifices of all who served.”
Victory over Japan was declared on 15 August 1945, closing six years of global conflict. The 80th anniversary offers a moment for reflection, gratitude, and remembrance for all who contributed to the defeat of Japan.
Page last reviewed: 8 August 2025