Ilkley to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day

Monday, 4 August 2025 11:57

A Service of Remembrance will take place on 15th August at St Margaret's Church

Ilkley Town Council is to hold a VJ Day Service of Remembrance in conjunction with St Margaret’s Church and the Royal British Legion.

Ilkley’s official Service of Remembrance on the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War (VJ Day) will take place on Friday 15th August at 10:45am at St Margaret’s Church on Queens Road in Ilkley.

VJ Day is the day on which Japan officially surrendered, following the devastating impact caused by the US dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This surrender finally brought the Second World War to a close. Thousands of soldiers from Britain and the Commonwealth died in the war against Japan, including many prisoners of war who died in Japanese captivity. In Japan, VJ Day is officially known as ‘The Day for Mourning of War Dead and Praying for Peace’. In war, nobody wins.

Ilkley Town Council’s VE Day commemorative event in May was a joyful celebration of freedom. This month’s VJ Day Service of Remembrance serves to remind us of the fragility of this freedom; it will be a service of readings and music, with prayers for peace in our world. A Royal British Legion Standard Bearer, representing the Ilkley branch, will be in attendance at the service.

Cllr Catherine Cheater says:

“It is important for us to take time to reflect on the vast and senseless loss of life during the Second World War, as well as the wider impact the war had on all those who lived through it. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the conflict; not only will Ilkley’s Service of Remembrance focus on this important milestone, but it will also encourage us to pray and hope for global peace today.”

In advance of Friday 15th August, there will be an opportunity for residents to share their feelings about VJ Day - a memory board will be available at the back of St Margaret’s where people can record and convey their thoughts about the Second World War, especially in light of today’s political climate. Fr Alex Crawford, vicar of St Margaret's, will then select some of these musings and memories to include in his reflections during the service.

For further information about the VJ Day Service of Remembrance, please visit the Ilkley Town Council website: ilkleytowncouncil.gov.uk/council_events/vj-day-80th-anniversary

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