The United Kingdom solemnly commemorated the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) with a series of memorial events across the country, marking the end of World War Two. The central ceremony took place at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, where King Charles III and Queen Camilla led a national two-minute silence to honor the sacrifices of those who served in the Far East and Pacific theatres.

National Remembrance and Royal Tribute

The remembrance service, organized by the Royal British Legion, featured moving testimonies from veterans and civilians who experienced the war's harsh realities. King Charles III, in an audio message, praised the courage and sacrifice of veterans, highlighting the brutal conditions endured by Allied prisoners of war. "The service and sacrifice of VJ Day heroes shall never be forgotten," he vowed.

The event included a flypast by the RAF's Red Arrows and historic World War Two aircraft, including a Spitfire, Hurricane, and Lancaster bomber. Among the guests of honor were 33 veterans aged between 96 and 105, who shared their poignant stories of survival and loss.

Memorials Across the UK

Across the UK, communities gathered to pay tribute to those who fought in the Asia-Pacific theatre. In Scotland, a lone piper played at Edinburgh Castle at dawn, while veterans in Aberdeen participated in a victory walk. In Hull, hundreds gathered at the Cenotaph for a remembrance ceremony, underscoring the city's significant wartime impact.

International Reflections and Controversies

In Japan, Emperor Naruhito expressed "deep remorse" for the war, acknowledging the immense suffering caused. However, visits by Japanese officials to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors war dead including convicted war criminals, sparked diplomatic tensions with China and South Korea. These visits are seen as a symbol of Japan's wartime aggression by its Asian neighbors.