Lord Mayor of Leeds leads VJ Day 80th anniversary commemoration

The Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Dan Cohen led the commemorations in the city centre today as Leeds marked the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day.

The Lord Mayor was joined by guests including Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Paul Lawrence, High Sheriff of West Yorkshire Chris Brown, chief executive of Leeds City Council Ed Whiting together with civic and veterans’ representatives at a wreath-laying service at the war memorial on Victoria Gardens, led by the Lord Mayor’s Chaplain, Rabbi Anthony Gilbert.

The service included the national two-minute silence observed to officially mark the anniversary of VJ Day at 12noon.

Following the unconditional surrender of Axis forces in Europe in May 1945, fighting in the Far East continued for another three months.

Victory over Japan Day, known as VJ Day, marked Imperial Japan’s acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration (proclamation defining terms for Japanese surrender laid down by the United States, the United Kingdom and the Republic of China) at noon, Japanese Standard Time, on August 15.

The acceptance of the terms of surrender brought an effective end of the Second World War after nearly six years of global conflict.

Japan’s formal surrender which followed soon after on September 2 1945 marked the official end of the war and Japan went on to sign a peace treaty with western allied nations in 1952.

To mark the 80^th anniversary of VJ Day, civic buildings in Leeds will be lit up in red, white and purple tonight (Friday). The colours have special significance for veterans of the Far East campaigns. Red signifies courage, sacrifice, and the lives lost in battle and captivity. White represents peace, remembrance, and reconciliation. Purple honours the recipients of the Burma Star (medal) while also recognising their suffering and endurance.

Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Dan Cohen said:

“It was my great honour and privilege to lead the commemoration event today on behalf of the people of Leeds as we marked and remembered VJ Day 80 years on.

“Victory over Japan Day effectively brought to an end one of the darkest chapters and the costliest conflict in human history, with sacrifices made by millions of people around the world in the fight to defend freedom over tyranny.

“Today was a poignant moment to reflect, remember and give thanks to all those who came together with unyielding resilience for a common cause, and how those values of supporting and helping others continue to be as important now as they were then.”

ENDS

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