75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe and Victory over Japan

Image: Indian paratroopers wearing the Pegasus flash (Credit: Airborne Assault Museum, Duxford)

Saturday 15 August 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan) and commemorates the end of the Second World War. Colchester, like other towns and cities across the UK, would have held a public civic service to mark this historic day. However, due to the Coronavirus pandemic and Government guidance, this is not possible. 

We therefore invite you to explore our online pages commemorating VJ Day (and VE Day), along with links to external websites that tell the story of the end of the Second World War and those affected.

The dedicated VJ Day 75 website contains extensive online resources, including how to get involved either outdoors whilst following social distancing guidance, or online. It also highlights a number of veteran’s stories.

The Imperial War Museum have also published a number of photographs of VJ Day celebrations as well as releasing a ‘Voices of War’ soundscape giving an opportunity to hear the voices of those who witnessed atomic bombs being dropped on Hiroshima on 6 August 1945 and Nagasaki on 9 August 1945.

Children and young people can also get involved in the VJ Day commemorations by taking part in historian and presenter Dan Snow’s online challenge, or by joining Premier League Academies and Big Ideas by making and sending paper cranes that will form a wreath to be laid at the Children’s Peace Monument, in the Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park.

The government has laid out a timetable for the day of remembrance with their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall leading the UK in a national moment of remembrance and thanksgiving for all those who served in the Far East.

Please share your Second World War stories, family histories and messages on social media using #VJDay75