🎖️ Honouring Heroes on the 80th Anniversary of VJ Day 🎖️
This Friday, the King and Queen will pay tribute to Second World War veterans at a special service held at the National Memorial Arboretum. It’s been 80 years since VJ Day, marking the end of World War II after Japan’s surrender.
Among the guests of honour are 33 incredible veterans, all aged between 96 and 105, who served bravely in the Far East and Pacific. Their stories are as heroic as ever, including tales of jungle warfare, submarine missions, and aerial battles!
The event will feature a moment of national reflection with two minutes of silence, awe-inspiring flypasts by the Red Arrows and the iconic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the haunting melodies of military bagpipes at dawn. 🌅
Meet some of these extraordinary veterans:
– Yavar Abbas and Owen Filer, at 105, are the oldest attendees.
– Charlie Richards, 104, and Sid Machin, 101, Chindit veterans known for their daring operations behind enemy lines.
– Joseph Hammond, 100, from Ghana, will have his poignant testimony shared during the service as he reflects on wartime hardships.
Veterans like Mr Richards remind us of the unforgettable sacrifices made and cherish the memories of comrades like Son Johnson who didn’t make it home. 🇬🇧 “I want to represent all those who saw action in the Far East and remember those who never made it home,” he said.
The ceremony will be broadcast live on BBC One at 11.30 am, with actress Celia Imrie hosting this heartfelt occasion. It’s an opportunity for the nation to unite in gratitude for the diverse contributions of brave Allied Forces from across the Commonwealth.
Let’s come together to honour these extraordinary individuals who played a crucial role in ending the war and securing our future in peace. #VJDay #Veterans #HonourOurHeroes