70th anniversary of Victory over Japan day

70th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day

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A special service was held in Middleton Memorial Gardens commemorated the 70th anniversary of Victory over Japan day.

Attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Surinder and Cecile Biant, local councillors, representatives from the Air Training Corps, Rochdale and Middleton Army Cadets, veterans and local residents, the service was held to pay tribute to all of those who served in the UK Armed Forces in the Far East.

Speaking at the event, Leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Farnell said: “We have to ensure that we remember all of those who have made sacrifices over the years. As a community, we need to stand together as a vision of the past. Lest we forget.”

Blackley Band provided music throughout the service, which included an Exultation by Julie Granger from the Middleton Royal British Legion, the Last Post and a minute’s silence.

Reverend Marcia Wall led the service.

Wreaths were laid in the Memorial Gardens and the Burma Star Association Standard was handed over to the Rochdale Detachment 1 (Minden) Company Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force.

Whilst the war in Europe ended in early May 1945, it continued in the Far East. The Japanese finally surrendered on 14 August 1945 following the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Soviet declaration of war and invasion of Manchuria. The next day, Wednesday 15 August 1945, was celebrated as VJ (Victory over Japan) day.