The Member of Parliament for Mid Sussex, Mims Davies, has joined with the Royal Family, Ministers, veterans and community groups in paying tribute to all of those who fought for our freedom in the Second World War.
On 15 August 2020 we mark the 75th Anniversary of the Victory over Japan and the end of the Second World War. Working with colleagues in Government including the Ministry of Defence, Mims is determined that, as a nation, we come together to commemorate this highly significant moment in our shared history.
Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke of Edinburgh and The Duke of Cambridge will mark 75 years since the end of the Second World War on 15 August, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced.
The Prince of Wales, accompanied by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall, will lead the UK in a national moment of remembrance and thanksgiving for all those who served in the Far East. His Royal Highness will lead a two-minute silence at 11am at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire as part of a special televised service.
Commenting, the Member of Parliament for Mid Sussex, Mims Davies said:
“I want to pay tribute to all of our brave veterans who fought so hard to protect our freedoms in the Second World War. So many gave so much to protect Our way of life and I am so very humbled by their sacrifices. In Mid Sussex I am proud to be supporting the two minutes silence which is being led nationwide by the Royal Family.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“When the Second World War ended 75 years ago with the surrender of Japan, British soldiers, sailors and airmen were serving in the Far East, fighting hard to achieve victory – and were among the last to come home. On this anniversary I want to remember what we owe the veterans of the Far East campaign. They brought an end to the Second World War, they changed the course of history for the better, liberated South East Asia, and many paid the ultimate sacrifice. That’s why on this remarkable anniversary – and everyday hereafter – we will remember them.”
Plans for tomorrow include:
- At 11am a National Two Minute Silence led by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will take place at the National Memorial Arboretum.
- His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will appear in a photo montage series alongside other Second World War veterans. Each veteran will be pictured with an image of themselves from their time in service in a touching tribute broadcast on large screens across the country marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the war.
- Armed Forces musicians will lead the nation in a Service of Remembrance hosted by The Royal British Legion at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The ceremony will involve a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
- The Red Arrows will conduct flypasts over Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff and will conclude their tour of the UK over London.
- VJ Day 75: The Nation’s Tribute will be broadcast on BBC One. Filmed at Horse Guards Parade, alongside veteran testimony His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge will give an address which pays tribute to the veterans and the wartime generation, as the Nation honours, thanks and remembers all those who sacrificed so much during the Second World War. The pre-recorded programme, developed with the Ministry of Defence and involving 300 members of Armed Forces personnel, will highlight the scope and diversity of the British military in 1945. It will include a host of famous faces reading tributes, military bands and dramatic visual projection.
Ends.
Notes to Editors:
For more information please go to: www.ve-vjday75.gov.uk