People from across the district came together today to commemorate VJ Day on its 75th anniversary.
Today commemorates Victory over Japan which led to the end of World War Two.
Services were held in Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough to remember all of those who served and sacrificed their lives in the Far East to bring an end to the war. A two minute silence took place at 11am to remember the fallen.
Similar to VE Day in May, celebrations had to be reduced to allow for social distancing.
In Harrogate, members of the public, local dignitaries and members of the armed forces gathered to pay their respects at the war memorial. The Mayor of Harrogate, Councillor Stuart Martin, said it was an “honour” to lay a wreath this morning.
Harrogate’s Mayor, Councillor Stuart Martin, lay a wreath this morning to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VJ Day. Credit: Ernesto Regatta.
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- The county council chairman encourages residents to to commemorate VJ Day.
- A small service was held in Ripon to remember the fallen today.
Members of the Knaresborough branch of the Royal British Legion arranged a service at the town’s war memorial in the castle grounds. During the service the newly refurbished commemoration bench was unveiled.
In Ripon, a small service was held within Spa Gardens with local representatives placing a wreath on the war memorial.
Ripon’s Mayor Councillor Eamon Parkin, said:
Knaresborough commemorates VJ day“On landmark days like these, we take a few minutes to remember what the men and women of the armed forces have done for us in every theatre of war and continue to do for us in keeping the peace.”
Today marks the 75th anniversary of VJ Day. The Knaresborough branch of the Royal British Legion held a service this morning to rededicate the town’s commemoration bench after its refurbishment.
VJ Day marks the surrender of Japan and the end of the Second World War. The day is to remember recognise all those who served and sacrificed their lives in the Far East to bring an end to the war.
The branch has spent time renovating the bench that sits opposite the war memorial in the castle grounds. It has been inscribed with VE and VJ and the years 1945 and 2020.
Vice-Chair of the branch Dave Houlgate said:
“The Bench was installed in 1995 to mark the 50th anniversary of VE and VJ days but has become weather worn in recent years. We had planned to undertake this work and re-dedicate the Bench for VE Day back in May but we were unable to do that due to the pandemic lockdown.”
Members of the Knaresborough branch came together today to commemorate VJ Day and unveil the refurbished commemoration bench. (Credit: Sharon Van Zelst)
Read more:
- County Council chairman has encouraged residents to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VJ today.
- Knaresborough British Legion warns they needs further support to continue.
The branch organised a service in the castle grounds today but was unable to make the time public to ensure social distancing.
The branch has previously warned “we don’t have to disappear” after a drop in income during the pandemic. The branch is determined to continue its efforts to support local veterans, soldiers and their families.