2025 marks the 80th anniversaries of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) on 8 May and VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) on 15 August.
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. Victory over Japan would come at a heavy price, and Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) marks the day Japan surrendered on 15 August 1945, which ended the Second World War.
Members of Bunbury and District Royal British Legion, together with 25th SW Cheshire Bunbury and District Scout Group, Girlguiding Bunbury, bellringers and others from our village, recently took part in a number of events to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VJ Day.
On 14 August members of 25th SW Cheshire Bunbury and District Scout Group, Girlguiding Bunbury along with their leaders and Rev Mike Rogers ascended to the tower roof of St Boniface Church to assist the bellringers in raising a special VJ Day 80 flag.
On VJ Day itself (15 August) an outdoor service was held by St Boniface Church Memorial Gates, led by Rev Mike Rogers. It was attended by over 30 people including members of the Bunbury and District Royal British Legion, 25th SW Cheshire Bunbury and District Scout Group, bellringers, and others from the village as well as some passers-by. As part of the service Mike Rogers reminded all of the importance of VJ Day saying:
‘This 80th anniversary of VJ Day is a moment of profound significance for our nation. It is a time to remember with deep gratitude the courage and fortitude of those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. In an increasingly dangerous world, we gather to give thanks, to remember sacrifices made, to offer prayers for peace and, as we honour the past, to affirm our commitment to building a more peaceful and just world for all.’
Finally, St Boniface church bells were then rung to join towers in over 600 churches across the UK as part of a national VJ Day 80 bellringing event to commemorate this poignant anniversary. Even more poignant for our tower in that one of the St Boniface ringers now in his 80s, was there on VJ Day in 1945.
Photos taken by Paul Laycock Sullivan
