VJ Day Commemoration

PLANS to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ (Victory in Japan) Day in Dundee are well underway.

The city’s commemoration, which forms part of a national marking of the date, will be hosted by Lord Provost Bill Campbell.

Starting with a short service of remembrance and thanks on the steps of the Caird Hall attended by local clergy and church leaders, the ceremony will also be attended by councillors, other politicians, council leaders and veterans.

The service will be conducted by Rev Bob Wightman, Combined Ex Services Association Chaplain, with readings by Mrs Nicky Jones, War Widows Association and Major (Retd) Colin Gray. Organisations representing veterans, military organisations, cadet forces and reserves will parade on the City Square.

Lord Provost Campbell will lay a wreath on behalf of the citizens of Dundee.

He said: “Unfortunately, the welcome end of six gruelling years of hostilities in 1945, did not signal an end to all war.

"People from Dundee fought in every branch of the armed forces and on every front in the conflict. Many made the ultimate sacrifice, and all were in some way affected by their experiences.

“We would like the people of the city to join us in the City Square on Friday August 15 at 12 noon, to pay tribute, and mark VJ Day commemorating the surrender of Japanese forces to the Allied powers and the end of World War II.”