Moray to mark 75th anniversary of Japan's surrender
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A NATIONWIDE two-minute silence will be held at 11am tomorrow to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ day.
In Moray there will be short services at 11am, on Saturday, August 15, at the war memorials on the Plainstones in Elgin and in Forres.
The commemorations will be led by members of the Lieutenancy, Moray Council and local armed forces representatives, the Royal British Legion Scotland, the Queen’s Own Highlanders Regimental Association and Police Scotland.
There will be a chaplain, senior nurse and a piper at both events.
The Royal Family will lead national tributes as the UK remembers Japan’s surrender to the Allied forces on August 15, 1945, which effectively ended the Second World War.
Moray Council Armed Forces Champion and RAF veteran Councillor Donald Gatt said: "This Saturday marks the 75th anniversary of victory over Japan (VJ) day when, after six long years of war, Great Britain, her empire and allies finally overcame the forces of Imperial Japan.
"The war in the Far East often seemed forgotten in the aftermath of victory in Europe, hence the British 14th Army being known as the Forgotten Army.
"What many may not realise is that from the war in the Far East comes the famous epitaph found on numerous veteran memorials and monuments throughout the world:
'When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say,
For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today'
Pipers around Moray are being encouraged to play "The Battle’s O’er" and "VE 75" at 11am. Communities may wish to commemorate the significant event as they feel able to within the constraints of the Covid-19 restrictions.
100-year-old NHS fundraising hero and Burma veteran Captain Sir Tom Moore has urged people to "stop, think and be thankful" on VJ Day.
