As the nation marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, a council will pay tribute to those who fought in the Far East.
Durham County Council has planned a programme of family activities at its culture and heritage venue, The Story, to commemorate VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) on Friday 15 August.
The Story building, at Mount Oswald House on the outskirts of Durham City, will also be lit up in the VJ Day colours of red, white and purple on the evening, and, at County Hall, a bespoke Union VJ Day 80 flag will be flown from Monday 11 to Friday 15 August.
The council has also produced a pack with ideas and information for residents and groups planning their own VJ Day events, having waived road closure fees for street parties on the anniversary day.
While VE Day (Victory in Europe Day), on 8 May 1945, marked the end of the war in Europe, fighting continued in the Far East. Thousands of Armed Forces personnel, including many soldiers from County Durham, were involved in the campaign. VJ Day marks the day Japan surrendered, on 15 August 1945, bringing the Second World War to a close.
Cllr Andrew Harrison, Durham County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “VE Day is a date that is widely celebrated across the UK and Europe, which is how it should be.
“However, the Second World War did not end on 8 May 1945. It was a further three months before Japan surrendered and, during this time, service personnel continued to fight to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. That’s why VJ Day is equally important; it’s a chance to honour those who fought in the Far East and demonstrate our enduring gratitude for the sacrifices they made.”
Activities taking place at The Story include a two-minute silence at 11am, followed by the showing of a VJ80 commemorative film in the Learning Room at 11.15am.
In the afternoon, between 12pm and 4pm, visitors can watch a Second World War military demonstration by the Old 68th Society and can take part in a family print workshop in the Learning Room.
There will also be poems of remembrance on display throughout The Story, as well as historical objects including a helmet worn by a Japanese soldier during the Battle of Kohima, and a drawing by a member of the Durham Light Infantry.
All activities are free, and no booking is required. Entry to The Story and parking at the venue are also free. For more information, visit www.thestorydurham.org
To request a VJ Day information pack, which includes details of how to apply for funding to support commemorative events, contact localnetworks@durham.gov.uk.
