BROMSGROVE commemorated the anniversary of VJ Day with a special service at the Burma Star Memorial this morning.
The service began with a parade to the memorial followed by opening remarks from Rev Ray Khan.
During his address, Rev Khan paid tribute to those who gave their lives in the cause of freedom during the campaigns in Burma, South East Asia and the Far East.
He also remembered all who served during World War Two and those who still suffer because of conflicts.
He then read the lesson from St John’s Gospel Chapter 15 verses 11-13 followed by a prayer.
The Act of Remembrance was followed by the Last Post, a two minutes silence was observed and the Reveille was played.
Following the reading of the Kohima Epitaph, several wreathes were laid at the memorial including one on behalf of the Bromsgrove Royal British Legion, the Town Crier Kevin Ward and Bromsgrove District Council.
Rev Khan then led the service in a series of prayers and a blessing before the parade was dismissed.
The service saw a fantastic turnout with people across the Midlands coming to mark the occasion.
While VE Day marked the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, many thousands of Armed Forces personnel were still engaged in conflict in the Far East.
VJ Day, or Victory over Japan Day, marks in effect the end of the Second World War and is sometimes seen as the forgotten victory.
Among those in attendance at today’s service was Eric Davis, who is the last remaining member of the Burma Star Association.
Mark Gallett’s grandfather was the President of the Burma Star Association from Bromsgrove and he’s taken on the mantle of being the standard bearer for the association in memory of the branch members who are no longer with us.
He said: “Today has been fantastic, thanks so much to the Royal British Legion for hosting for us.
“It’s massively important that this service continues for generations to come.”
Rev Ray Khan added: “It’s great that people gather every year at what used to be the national memorial for the Burma Star.
“These are men and women who were willing to pay that ultimate sacrifice and they should never be forgotten, it was amazing that people of all different ages and backgrounds were able to come here today and say they won’t forget.”
