Events to mark VJ Day 80 in Charnwood

A number of events are taking place across the borough to mark VJ Day 80, the end of the Second World War.

VJ Day marks the official end of the Second World War, following the surrender of Japan on August 15, 1945.

A flag flying ceremony took place on Friday (15th August) outside the main Council offices on Southfield Road in Loughborough attended by Deputy Lieutenant Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL and the Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr David Northage, followed by a prayer led by Rev Emily Sharman.

The flag was raised in in honour of all who have served and who continue to serve in His Majesty’s Armed Forces.

Meanwhile, a Loughborough resident has been selected to light the beacon in Queen’s Park to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), which commemorates the end of the Second World War.

Charnwood Borough Council has organised a VJ Day celebration event on Friday, 15 August from 7pm until 9pm in Queen’s Park in Loughborough.

The beacon will be lit at 8.30pm by Mel Gould, a stalwart of the Loughborough community, having been chairman of the Loughborough Carillon Tower and War Memorial Museum for 16 years.

Mel is also a former member of the Armed Forces, having served in the Royal Leicestershire Regiment and the Royal Anglian Regiment for 12 years, followed by a further 27 years with the Territorial Army.

Mel said: “It will be a great pleasure to light the beacon for VJ Day and honour those who served and who lost their lives in the Second World War and other conflicts.

“The importance of celebrating the Armed Forces and honouring the sacrifices made by soldiers past and present cannot be underestimated.

“There is local significance too, with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment having fought the Japanese in the Second World War. The names of many fallen heroes can be found embossed on the Carillon Tower, including those of men who are buried in Malaya, Singapore, Thailand and Burma.

“I look forward to paying tribute to them by lighting the beacon on the 80^th anniversary of VJ Day.”

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A special VJ day parade also took place at Shepshed’s Market Place, where residents marched in remembrance and unity.