VJ Day 80th anniversary to be marked with St Helens Cenotaph service

Article date: 6 August 2025

Organised by St Helens Borough Council in partnership with the local Armed Forces Forum, the service will honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who served in the Far East during the Second World War and commemorate the complete end of the conflict in 1945 following Japan's surrender.

The event will get underway with the assembling of standards, followed by a welcome from Mayor of St Helens Borough, Councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron MBE; Prayer of Commemoration for VJ Day; reading of The Fallen and performance of the Last Post - before the square observes a two-minutes' silence.

Councillor Keith Laird, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for People, Performance and IT, said:

"VJ Day is a significant moment in history, with the surrender of Japan in effect bringing an end to the Second World War, so it's right that we commemorate it - especially on the 80th anniversary. It is important that we take the time to reflect on the courage of those who fought in the Pacific and to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten. This service is an opportunity for our community to come together in remembrance and gratitude."

Councillor Lynn Clarke, Armed Forces Champion and Chair of the Armed Forces Forum, added:

"Many of those who served in the Far East campaign endured unimaginable hardship and for too long their stories were overlooked when compared to the war effort in Europe. On this important anniversary, we recognise their service and remember all those  - including service personal from our borough - who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

"This event also reflects the strong partnership between the council and the Armed Forces Forum, as we continue to work together to support the welfare of veterans and their families, and to ensure that commemorative events like this receive the recognition they deserve."

Members of the public are welcome to congregate at the Cenotaph in Victoria Square at 11:45am on Friday 15 August, with St Helens Town Hall open afterwards for light refreshments where a VJ Day archive and a number of Armed Forces exhibitions will be on display to showcase local available support services to veterans.

Veterans wanting to find out more about the Armed Forces Forum, Including how to join, can email benmurray@sthelens.gov.uk

Following the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant in November 2024, St Helens Borough Council has received the Gold Employer Award — the highest level of recognition under the MOD's Defence Employer Recognition Scheme which honours organisations that demonstrate exceptional support for reservists, veterans, and military families.

For information on support available to past and present members of the Armed Forces community in St Helens Borough, visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/armedforces