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People in London started dancing upon learning that the war had ended. August 1945. Photo: Imperial War Museums |
On Friday 15 August, 2025, we came together as a nation to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, to honour the bravery, sacrifice and service of the greatest generation. |
A national two-minute silence, commemorating those who fought and died in the Far East, was observed across the UK and in many countries around the world.
The King and Queen joined the Prime Minister, senior members of the government, over 400 members of the Armed Forces and 33 living veterans in attending the Royal British Legion’s (RBL) remembrance service held at Staffordshire’s National Memorial Arboretum.
In his tribute to VJ Day veterans, whom he said “shall never be forgotten,” His Majesty King Charles poignantly reminded us that “in times of war and in times of peace, the greatest weapons of all are not the arms you bear but the arms you link.”
Here is a recap of the VJ Day 80 commemorations that took place this past week #VJ80 |
The Red Arrows flypast at the National Memorial Arboretum VJ Day 80 remembrance service |
Royal British Legion speaks to a 105-year-old veteran |
Letters to Loved Ones x Outernet immersive VJ Day 80 experience |
Last Tuesday, DCMS hosted a media event launching our Letters to Loved Ones VJ Day 80 immersive experience at Outernet’s Now Trending media space in London.
Thirteen ancestors of those featured in the creative were in attendance to see it for the first time and speak with the media about their family members. |
Inspired by wartime letters, the 3 minute film brought to life six true stories of those who served in the Far East during the Second World War. Featuring real handwriting and voices of descendants, this VJ Day 80 experience reminds us of hope, resilience, and our shared humanity.
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Sunset service for Commonwealth troops |
The Ministry of Defence, led by members of the Armed Forces, held a commemorative VJ Day service and wreath-laying ceremony at London’s Memorial Gates to honour the contributions of the Commonwealth personnel who served and died in the Far East.
As dawn broke on 15 August, military pipers played the lament Battle’s O’er at Edinburgh Castle, the National Memorial Arboretum and at the Cenotaph.
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@HistoryMagpie aboard HMS Belfast |
Following VJ Day, HMS Belfast carried out a repatriation mission, bringing POWs and interned citizens in Asia back to Europe’s shores. |
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy reflects on VJ Day |
Letters to Loved Ones video series |
Thank you to everyone who has submitted letters from family and loved ones sent during the Second World War.
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The Royal family connects with veterans |
Minister Peacock visits the Tower of London to mark VJ Day 80 |
The Minister also visited Barnsley Civic and Oxford’s Old Fire Station arts venues to see community exhibitions and workshops from the Our Freedom: Then and Now programme led by Future Arts Centres, Libraries Connected and supported by Arts Council England.
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August 1945: It Was Over Then |
Imperial War Museums partnered with students from the School of Digital Arts (SODA) to produce a new VJ Day 80 commemorative film, detailing the events that took place in Asia and the Pacific more than 80 years ago. Watch the film. |
“The film creates an intergenerational collaboration between the people who were there and us making the film today.” - Jess Lippa. |
Historian Dan Snow visits the Churchill War Rooms |
No10 Garden Party for Veterans |
Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted a garden party at No10 Downing Street for veterans and ancestors of those who served in the Far East during the Second World War. |
Buildings light up in honour of VJ Day 80 |
Poole Bridge, Bournemouth |
Muncaster Castle, Lake District |
VJ Day 80 commemorative pins |
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This is the final VE & VJ Day 80 newsletter update. We encourage you to sign up to receive our partners' newsletters:
Share your Second World War stories, family histories and messages of remembrance on social media. Use #VE80, #VJ80 and #Victory80 |
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