Sophie Reaper has described today as “an incredibly poignant day” while reporting from a memorial site in Fylde where residents have assembled to honour the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day.
Speaking from the Fylde Memorial Arboretum and Community Woodland, Sophie acknowledged that while the location may lack the scale of the National Memorial Arboretum, the significance and emotion present amongst the local community remains equally profound.
The gathering brings together people from across the area to pay tribute to those who served during the Second World War’s Pacific campaign. The commemoration marks eight decades since Japan’s surrender ended the global conflict on August 15 1945.
Sophie spoke to 102-year-old army veteran Marjorie Hanson who shared her personal recollections of the historic day.
The commemoration marks eight decades since Japan’s surrender ended the global conflict
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GB NEWS
She told GB News: “I remember that I was in the Army and we were all doing our usual jobs, and then we found out that it was time to all have a rejoicing time.
“I imagine you must have felt some real sense of relief. Oh, yes. Definitely. Everybody knew that they’d be going home soon.
“And that life, we hoped, would be better for everybody.”
Sophie asked her: “And 80 years on, how important is it to you that people never forget the sacrifice that was made by all those who served 80 years ago?
She responded: “It’s very important indeed. I think it should always be remembered. After all, so many young men and women gave their lives.
“And if you had a message today, on the 80th anniversary of VJ day for our viewers at home, what would that message be?
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“I would say that everybody just get together and do as much as they can to keep peace.”
Today’s ceremony has seen mourners place flowers in the distinctive yellow, white and green colours of the Burma Star Association upon individual plaques, creating a meaningful tribute.
At the heart of this memorial area stands a prominent obelisk bearing the Kohima epitaph, which declares: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow we gave our today.”
This inscription serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by those who fought in the Burma Campaign.
Marjorie Hanson is a 102 year old war veteran
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GB NEWS
The monument provides a focal point for today’s commemorations, drawing visitors to reflect on the cost of freedom.
The placement of flowers in the Burma Star Association’s signature colours has created a striking visual tribute throughout the memorial garden.
These carefully chosen blooms in yellow, white and green represent a deliberate and meaningful gesture on this significant anniversary.