Remembering the forgotten heroes of World War 2

Seventy-five years later residents in Newcastle are being urged to follow social distancing guidelines as they pay tribute to the brave service personnel who continued the fight for peace months after the war in Europe ended. 

The war in the Far East, or Burma Campaign as it’s commonly known, was the longest of the Second World War.  With nearly 1.3 million service personnel, the South East Asia Command was the largest army group ever assembled by Britain and our Allies.  The battles they fought to bring about peace were long and bitter, but the men and women involved often feel forgotten as their war is not always given the same importance as the war in Europe.

VJ Day is not only an opportunity to celebrate 75 years since the end of World War 2 but also a time to pay tribute to those who sacrificed so much for our country and to remember the devastation caused around the world. 

National events to mark the occasion have been scaled back due to coronavirus but the sacrifices of all those involved will still be remembered with a series of events including a flypast by the Red Arrows, a live broadcast from the National Memorial Arboretum and a two-minute silence at 11am.

Lord Mayor, Councillor David Cook, will lead the tributes by laying a special wreath on behalf of the people of Newcastle at a Service of Remembrance.  The event will be live streamed on the council’s Facebook page to allow as many people as possible to watch and pay respects. 

The council are also asking people to share their own stories and tributes on the Facebook Group VJ Day 75 Newcastle.  The page also includes more information on VJ Day, links to online activities and tips for holding a socially distanced street party to celebrate the anniversary of World War 2.