Town marks 75th anniversary of VJ Day

By timesecholife on in All News, Uttoxeter news

TOWNSFOLK gathered at Uttoxeter’s War Memorial to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Japan. August 15, 1945 was the historic day on which World War II – the deadliest conflict in history – saw the fighting cease.

Members of the Royal British Legion Uttoxeter Branch gathered just before 11am on Saturday, August 15, to mark the anniversary. Leanne Painter, a member of Uttoxeter Town Band, played the Last Post and Reveille, while Dennis Bennet organised ringers at St Mary The Virgin parish church, Uttoxeter, who chimed the church bells 75 times in honour of the fallen.

President of the Royal British Legion Uttoxeter Branch, Phil Hudson said: “In these unprecedented times, it was only right and proper that we held a service of Remembrance to remember all those who took part in the Second World War in the Pacific and in particular , those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. We obviously had to abide by the strict restrictions imposed on us by the Covid 19 situation, but even so it was a very moving ceremony and one I will remember.”

The reading Call for Peace was read by the Town Mayor Cllr Sue McGarry and prayers were led by Rev Margaret Sherwin.

Cllr McGarry said: “I was very proud to have been invited to represent Uttoxeter at the VJ Day event. “I along with other councillors joined members of the Royal British Legion as well as Reverend Margaret Sherwin and residents from Uttoxeter to pay respects to the many who fought for our nation. I was also deeply moved to have been asked to read the Cry of Peace poem to those that were in attendance on this historic day.

“The highlight for me was not only listening to the 75 chimes of the church bells to represent the 75th anniversary of VJ Day but more so the outstanding performance of The Last Post by Leanne Painter. Thanks to the RBL for arranging this well organised socially distanced event.”

Standards were raised by bearers from the Royal British Legion and the Royal Naval Association. Mr Hudson, who is also a town councillor, added: “Members of Uttoxeter Royal British Legion, The Royal Naval Association and the Poppy Appeal were accompanied by local councillors and members of the public attended to mark a significant time in our history. Thank you to all. When you go home tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow we gave our today.”

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