80th anniversary of VJ Day
The 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan) will be marked across the country this Friday, August 15, commemorating the end of the Second World War.
While VE Day (Victory in Europe) marked the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, many thousands of armed forces personnel were still engaged in fighting in the Far East. Victory over Japan would come at a heavy price, and VJ Day marks the day Japan surrendered.
Lincolnshire has strong ties to RAF and events of commemoration will take place across the county including a short Act of Remembrance at Lincoln Cathedral at 11.55am in St Hugh's Choir. It will include the national two minutes' silence and conclude with Elgar's Nimrod. All are welcome to attend.
A Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster, operated by the RAF Coningsby-based Battle of Britain Memorial Flight team will join the Red Arrows from Waddington in a flypast over the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Friday.
Events funded by North Kesteven District Council include a short parade and wreath laying in Billinghay led by the local branch of the Royal British Legion, which will be followed by a community tea and 1940s entertainment including a vintage dress competition, poetry readings and a projected presentation of images from VJ Day.
Other events across the district are:
- A flag raising ceremony on North Hykeham Village Green on Friday, August 15. Arrive by 11.55am for two-minute silence at 12pm.
- Live music and BBQ at the Turks Head Pub, Heighington, on Friday, August 15 from 6pm
- 80th anniversary commemorative event at Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre, on Sunday, August 24 from 10am – 4pm, with Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast, displays of military vehicles, reenactors displays and entry to the museum’s Dakota. Adult entry £10. https://www.metheringhamairfield.co.uk
- Ongoing to September 7 at the International Bomber Command Centre, Canwick the usual displays, memorial spire, and peace gardens with a special poppy installation featuring the outline of a Lancaster Bomber and veteran anecdotes relating to VE and VJ Days. https://internationalbcc.co.uk/
- Ongoing at Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum, North Rauceby. Displays of RAF history and the current exhibition relating to Women in Air Force Blue. Open 10am to 3pm Friday to Monday. https://www.heartoflincs.com/things_to_do/cranwell-aviation-heritage-museum/
“As we saw, VE Day 80 was a wonderful opportunity to come together in celebration of what we have in common, and to use the occasion to reach out to neighbours, friends and our wider communities, and VJ Day brings that opportunity again,” said Council Leader Cllr Richard Wright.