The 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day was marked by North Yorkshire Council with a flag-raising ceremony at County Hall in Northallerton today (Friday, August 15).
A two-minute silence was also observed at the remembrance memorial, which took place across the country at noon to commemorate the 80th anniversary.
VJ Day marks the anniversary when Imperial Japan surrendered in the Second World War, effectively bringing the conflict to an end on August 15, 1945.
North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, the authority’s chairman, Cllr George Jabbour, and the Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Kevin Foster, led the ceremony.
Cllr Les said: “Today we join the community in marking the 80th anniversary of when Japan announced its surrender to the Allied forces, being met with relief and celebration.
“VJ Day is a reminder of the resilience and sacrifice made to secure an end to war. It’s a time to reflect on the past and look to the future with optimism.”
Cllr Jabbour said: “I’m pleased to have been part of the flag-raising ceremony at the council’s headquarters. It is important to remember and honour those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
“There will be celebrations happening across the county, with communities coming together to mark the special day.”
Cllr Kevin Foster added: “As we reflect on the impact of the Second World War, today is a chance to come together in unity, remembering those who secured the freedoms of the present day.
“When the flag was raised, I was remembering my grandfather, Thomas ‘Tommy’ Knight, who served in the Second World War. He served as a Green Howard and trained in Richmond.”
Commemorations were held across the country on May 8 this year to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Prime Minister Winston Churchill made an announcement to the nation in a radio broadcast at 3pm on May 8, 1945, that the war in Europe had come to an end, following Germany’s surrender the day before.
