Burma Star Memorial in the Garden of Remembrance Photo: Folkestone Town Council
Folkestone Town Council invites the public to join the commemoration of VJ Day, the day that marked the end of the Second World War in Asia, on 15 August 1945.
A service will be held at the Burma Star Memorial in the Garden of Remembrance, Sandgate Road, at 11am, followed by the laying of wreaths by civic dignitaries, military personnel, ex-service associations and youth organisations. The service will be led by Reverend Bob Weldon of the Trinity Benefice in Folkestone.
VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) is the celebration of the surrender of Japan, which ended the hostilities of the Second World War in Asia and the Pacific. It is estimated that more than 71,000 British and Commonwealth troops died in the war against Japan, including more than 12,000 prisoners of war who died in Japanese captivity.
The Burma Star Memorial in Folkestone honours those who served in the Burma Campaign, one of the longest and bloodiest campaigns of the Second World War. The memorial was unveiled in 1995 by Field Marshal Sir John Chapple, a former commander-in-chief of the British Army.
Folkestone Town Council said: “We are proud to commemorate VJ Day and pay tribute to those who fought and sacrificed for our freedom. We hope that many people will join us for this solemn and respectful occasion.”