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Prince Charles laid a wreath during the commemoration of the 70th anniversary five years ago
The Royal Family will lead the UK’s commemorations for VJ Day’s 75th anniversary – the day World War II ended with the surrender of Japan.
The Prince of Wales will attend a memorial service, while the Duke of Cambridge will appear in a special TV program.
The Duke of Edinburgh will also appear in remembrance, appearing on screens across the country in a photo montage with other veterans.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to veterans for restoring “peace and prosperity”.
VJ Day – as victory on Japan Day – ended on August 15, 1945, one of the worst episodes in British military history, in which tens of thousands of servants were forced to endure the brutalities of prisoner-of-war camps.
It is estimated that there were 71,000 British and Commonwealth victims of the war against Japan, including more than 12,000 prisoners of war who died in Japanese captivity. More than 2.5 million Japanese military personnel and civilians are thought to have died in the conflict.
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Fighting in Europe ended in May 1945, but many Allied servants were still fighting against Japan in East Asia.
Japan refused an ultimatum for peace, and the US believed that dropping a nuclear bomb would force it to surrender. The US dropped two atomic bombs on Japan, killing an estimated 214,000 people, and two weeks later Japan surrendered.
To mark the 75th anniversary, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent an offer to a controversial warlord in Tokyo, but did not personally attend.
However, two of his ministers visited the Yasukuni Shrine – which commemorates 14 leaders who were later condemned by the Allies as war criminals.
What’s happening today?
The conditions will start at sunrise, with a piper playing Battle’s Over at the Imperial War Museum’s HMS Belfast in London.
Military peppers will also play tomorrow in India, Australia, New Zealand and Nepal. In Japan, national memorial services will be held in Tokyo at 04:00 BST.
At 11 a.m. BST, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall will attend a national service of remembrance and lead a two-minute silence from the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The service will be broadcast on the BBC.
Mr. Johnson will read the Exhortation – the part of the war poem begins “they will not grow old” – before the nation will be quiet, and at the end the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will take part in a flypast.
De Red Arrows will execute a fly pass over the cities of Edinburgh (11:30), Belfast (14:00), Cardiff (14:45) and London (17:30) – the first time such a flyover will take place since the London Olympics.
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The flypaste will be one of the few physical events marking VJ Day this year due to coronavirus
IN photomontage with Prince Philip and other veterans will be seen on a number of big screens in the UK.
On Saturday night, the BBC will air a pre-recording program called at 8.30pm VJ Day 75: The Nation’s Tribute, which will tell the story of those who served in the Far East and contained a message from Prince William.
Boris Johnson, along with other world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, has been involved in recording a video message to thank veterans.
In the video, each leader in turn says, “To all who serve, we thank you.”
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On the 70th anniversary of VJ Day, there was a parade in London
Mr Johnson added: “On this 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, we pay tribute to the heroes who have been deployed thousands of miles away in the mountains, islands and rainforests of Asia.
“Failed to celebrate victory in Europe, and among the last to return, we recognize today the bravery and ingenuity of those who, in the face of adversity, restored peace and prosperity to the world.
“Her incredible sacrifice changed the course of history and, in commemoration of today, we take the opportunity to say what needs to be said every day – thank you.”
‘Courage in Conflict’
In a letter specifically addressed to Far East veterans, Mr Johnson said: “You were the last to be at home, but your achievements are written in the light of the glittering capitals of the dynamic region we are in. look today. “
“All of us who were born after you have benefited from your courage in adversity. On this anniversary, and every day thereafter, you will be remembered,” he added.
Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer also took up a message, honoring ‘to the war generation’, who through the horrors of conflict showed us the spirit and determination that we should always remember and always be grateful for ‘.
“It’s important that when we face today’s challenges, we take inspiration from that generation,” he said.
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Prince Philip, 99, was a young Royal Navy official aboard a warship in Tokyo Bay when Japan surrendered.
The photo montage will be a rare occurrence for the Duke, who has only been seen in public a handful of times since retiring in 2017 – mostly for a military event at Windsor Castle.
Meanwhile, Captain Sir Tom Moore, who had previously served in the Burma campaign, urged the public to take part in the remarks, describing VJ Day as “the most special day”.
“It was VJ day when the pain of war could finally begin to subside when peace was declared on all fronts,” said Sir Tom – who raised millions of pounds for NHS charity by running rounds of his garden during lockdown .
“I respectfully ask Britain to stop what it is doing and take some time to remember.
“We must all take the time to stop, think and thank that it was not for the ultimate sacrifices made all those years ago by such a brave band of men and women, we would not enjoy of the freedoms we have today, even in these difficult times today. “
BBC One will broadcast live from 9:30 BST from the National Memorial Arboretum.
VJ Day 75: The Nation’s Tribute will be broadcast from 20:30 BST.
