Wolverhampton will come together on Monday (15 August, 2016) to mark the 71st anniversary of VJ Day - an event which effectively heralded the end of the Second World War.

Veterans, civic dignitaries and members of the public will be among those taking part in a service of remembrance at the Cenotaph in St Peter's Square.

It will commemorate the 71st anniversary of Victory over Japan Day - the day in 1945 that the Japanese Army surrendered to Allied forces. In doing so, it brought an end to a conflict which had claimed the lives of an estimated 60 million people around the world.

The Central Branch of the City of Wolverhampton Royal British Legion, the Wolverhampton and District United Ex-Service Council and the Burma Star Association's Wolverhampton Branch will hold the annual service at the Cenotaph from 11.30am.

It will begin with a parade of standards and veterans followed by prayers, the Kohima homily and exhortation and the Last Post.

Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Barry Findlay will be among those in attendance. He said: "Commemorating VJ Day gives us the opportunity to remember the courage and bravery shown in the Far East by many thousands of British servicemen, some of whom were sadly never to return.

"It is now more than 7 decades since the end of the Second World War and, as the number of veterans who are still with us sadly diminishes, it is very important that we show our immense gratitude for the sacrifices they made for our freedom."

Lyndon Purnell, chair of the Central Branch of the City of Wolverhampton Royal British Legion, added: "I'd like to invite everyone to join us on Monday to remember the sacrifices shown by countless Wulfrunians who served in the Far East during the Second World War, including members of the Chindits, the British India special force which served in the Burma campaign."

  • released: Tuesday 9 August, 2016