The United Kingdom marked the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day with a solemn national tribute, led by King Charles III. Despite undergoing cancer treatment, the monarch attended the commemorations at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, accompanied by Queen Camilla, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, veterans, and dignitaries.
In a pre-recorded address played during the service, King Charles reflected on the heavy toll of war, stressing that its impact extends far beyond the battlefield. He referenced the devastation in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, urging the world to remember those lessons and work toward peace. “The greatest weapons are not the arms you bear, but the arms you link,” he declared, highlighting unity as the strongest safeguard against future conflict.
The ceremony included a wreath-laying at the Armed Forces Memorial, a nationwide two-minute silence, and stirring flypasts by the Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Across the country, landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and the White Cliffs of Dover were illuminated in tribute.
Emotions ran high as veterans shared their memories. One 105-year-old veteran delivered an unscripted salute to the King, praising his presence at the event despite his health challenges. The heartfelt tribute moved both King Charles and Queen Camilla to tears.
With the number of surviving veterans rapidly declining, the anniversary served as both a moment of national reflection and a reminder of the importance of preserving living history. From dawn bagpipe ceremonies at the Cenotaph to gatherings across towns and cities, the UK came together to honor the sacrifices made in the Pacific theater of World War II and to reaffirm the enduring message of peace.
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