A poignant and stirring sunset ceremony was held at the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill last night to mark the eve of the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ Day).
The event honoured the immense contributions of Commonwealth personnel and those from the Indian Subcontinent, Africa and the Caribbean, who fought and paid the ultimate price during the Far East campaign of the Second World War.
As dusk fell, a captivating light show was projected on the memorial’s four stone pillars, providing a powerful backdrop to a moving programme of remembrance, wreath laying, and storytelling.
The ceremony was led by Royal Air Force chaplain Squadron Leader Mandeep Kaur and Royal Navy chaplain Reverend Timothy Ndegwa.
Lord Boateng, chairman of the Memorial Gates Council, paid tribute to Commonwealth servicemen and women and the enduring sacrifice made by a diverse force fighting together to deliver global peace.
Lieutenant Colonel Nana Twumasi-Ankrah and Major Munish Chauhan recognised the diverse heritage of those who served, paying particular tribute to individuals like Private Joseph Hammond of Ghana and Naik Gian Singh VC of India respectively. Their stories exemplify the global and multicultural contribution to the allied victory.
Reverend Ndegwa read The Exhortation, introducing a two-minute silence bookended by the Last Post and Reveille performed by British Army Musician Mark Farrar. This was followed by the reading of The Kohima Epitaph, again read by Reverend Ndegwa.
Lord Boateng laid a wreath under the memorial’s pavilion dome on behalf of HM The King. This was followed by wreath layings from Defence Minister Lord Coaker on behalf of the Armed Forces and Culture Minister Stephanie Peacock on behalf of HM Government.
The passing of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Torch for Peace between Michele Jennings (Director of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Foundation), Lord Boateng, Lord Coaker, Lt Col Nana Twumasi-Ankrah, Cdt Cpl Aajal Manikath and Cdt Sgt Ebenezer Zalalem, symbolised the enduring importance of remembering sacrifices made in service to peace and freedom.
The involvement of the two cadets symbolised the passing on of the story of VJ Day to a new generation.
The ceremony concluded with evocative footage of VJ Day celebrations in Piccadilly Circus in 1945, blending history with the ongoing commitment to honouring those who served.
This moment of remembrance is part of a national programme to mark 80 years since Japan’s surrender in 1945, which brought an end to the hostilities in the Far East and signified a turning point in global history.
The Far East campaign, which took place across Asia and the Pacific, was one of the most intense and brutal theatres of the Second World War, with forces comprising soldiers from the Commonwealth, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Indian subcontinent playing vital roles. These service personnel endured significant hardship and displayed bravery in some of the most challenging conditions of the conflict.
By commemorating their sacrifices, the event reaffirmed the UK’s enduring commitment to honouring the bravery and legacy of all members of the Armed Forces in their fight for peace and freedom during the war.
Images: MOD Crown Copyright News / Editorial Licence.
