Plans to mark VJ Day across Moray this Saturday
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Pipers are being encouraged to play at 11am this Saturday as the nation commemorates VJ Day.
It will be the 75th anniversary of victory over Japan – the moment which finally ended the Second World War.
The new prime minister at the time, Clement Atlee, declared that "the last of our enemies is laid low", prompting nationwide celebrations.
A two-minute silence will be led by Prince Charles at 11am on the day.
Seymour Monro, the Lord Lieutenant of Moray, said: "VJ Day was not celebrated with the same national exuberance as VE Day – perhaps because the major and closer threat to the UK had always been from Germany.
"However because this year’s VE Day commemorations in May was a rather muted affair to comply with COVID-19 restrictions in force, I believe it is important we take the opportunity to commemorate VJ Day as best we can.
"We should remember all of those who fought against the Japanese in the Far East and reflect on the extreme sacrifices so many brave men made.
"Many of those men came from the North East.
"We should also remember the many civilians who were caught up in the Japanese advance and were put in prison camps for the rest of the war."
The grand-daughter of Sir Mark Young, the governor of Hong Kong at the time of Japanese occupation, is Deputy Lieutenant Joanna Grant Peterkin.
She will be leading the commemorations in Forres war memorial at 11am on Saturday.
There will also be a service on the Plainstones in Elgin at the same time.
At both events representatives will be present from Moray Council, the armed forces, the Royal British Legion Scotland, the Queen’s Own Highlander’s Regimental Association and the police.
Pipers around Moray are being encouraged to play The Battle’s O’er and VE 75 at 11am.
A Moray Council spokesperson said: "Communities may wish to commemorate this significant event as they feel able to within the constraints of the COVID 19 restrictions."
More details of the national arrangements here
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