Join Ipswich in honouring VJ Day veterans' courage and sacrifice

Why it matters: This month marks 80 years since Victory over Japan Day on 15 August 1945, when the Second World War finally ended after six years of global conflict.

Ipswich Borough Council will honour this historic milestone with two public events, inviting residents to reflect upon and remember those who served in Asia and the Far East.

The details: A Service of Remembrance will be held at the Cenotaph in Christchurch Park on Friday 15 August, starting at 10:55.

• Led by the Royal British Legion, this service will honour British, Commonwealth, and Allied veterans who served in the Asian, Pacific and Indian Ocean theatres of war.
• On Sunday 17 August, a Commemoration Service takes place in Ipswich Minster at 3.30pm.
• During the ceremony, military historian Taff Gillingham will reflect on the contributions made by local regiments to the war effort.
• Members of the public are invited to attend both events to pay tribute together with serving personnel and veterans from the Armed Forces, the Mayor of Ipswich, local councillors, and civic dignitaries.

For context: These events follow the town's commemorations of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, which marked the end of the Second World War in Europe on 8 May 1945. Thousands of British and Commonwealth military personnel continued to fight Japanese forces in Asia and the Pacific for a further three months until Victory over Japan was finally declared on 15 August 1945.

What they're saying: Councillor Alasdair Ross, Ipswich Borough Council's Armed Forces Champion, said: "I was proud to see our community come together for the VE Day commemorations earlier this year. Now, we have one of our final opportunities to honour the VJ Day veterans whose courage and sacrifice brought the Second World War to an end.

"Residents and visitors to Ipswich are warmly invited to attend these two occasions at the Cenotaph and the Minster, as we remember, reflect, and honour all those who served.

"The descendants of many of the Commonwealth veterans of that army are now part of multicultural communities around the world, a lasting legacy to the success and comradeship of those who fought in the Far East. That legacy of those who served continues to shape communities today, including ours, and must never be forgotten."

The bigger picture: Across the UK, a national two-minute silence will be held at 12:00 on Friday, 15 August, for everyone wishing to take part in marking the VJ Day 80 anniversary with moments of reflection for those who fought and died during six years of conflict across the globe.

The bottom line: These commemorative events offer Ipswich residents a chance to stand together in gratitude for the veterans who secured peace and freedom 80 years ago.