West Northamptonshire to commemorate 80th Anniversary of VJ Day
12 August 2025
Communities across West Northamptonshire are encouraged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) on Friday 15 August 2025.
While VE Day (Victory in Europe) marked the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, many thousands of Armed Forces personnel were still engaged in fighting in the Far East. VJ Day marks the day Japan surrendered, on 15 August 1945, bringing the Second World War to a final close.
To honour the occasion, residents are encouraged to come together to mark VJ Day in a number of ways, including:
- Organising a street party, picnic or social gathering
- Hosting commemorative events in community centres or places of worship
- Attending or arranging a local remembrance service
- Displaying flags, bunting, or window displays in tribute to veterans
Communities wishing to hold an event in a public space or close a road for a street party may need to apply for a temporary road closure. Organisers of larger events are also urged to contact West Northamptonshire Council to ensure any necessary arrangements around licensing, safety and traffic management are in place.
"VJ Day marks a hugely significant moment in our shared history - the final end of the Second World War. It is a time to remember the courage and sacrifice of all those who served, particularly those who fought in the Far East under extremely harsh conditions. I encourage communities across West Northamptonshire to come together in tribute, reflection and remembrance."West Northamptonshire Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Trefor Hughes
To mark the occasion, a national two-minute silence will take place at 12 noon on Friday 15 August, with everyone invited to take part. The official national tribute will be held at the National Memorial Arboretum, with coverage available to watch live on BBC One and iPlayer. Further information is available via the BBC and National Memorial Arboretum websites.
As part of wider commemorations, the Imperial War Museum continues to invite people to take part in its Letters to Loved Ones project – a moving tribute that collects and shares real letters exchanged between families and servicemen during the Second World War. You can read these personal reflections or submit your own on the official VE/VJ Day website.
People of all ages are also being encouraged to craft origami paper cranes, which have become a global symbol of peace. The crane is especially significant in Hiroshima, one of the cities devastated by nuclear attack during the war, where it has come to represent healing, hope, and remembrance. The Imperial War Museum has shared a simple paper crane tutorial, ideal as a summer activity at home or with children.
On this 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we encourage everyone to come together to honour the veterans, remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and reflect on the legacy of the Second World War generation.