The 75th anniversary of Japan surrendering in World War Two was marked with a small ceremony held at Stonefield Park today (15th August).
Five wreaths were laid at the ceremony, the first by Stone Town Mayor Mark Green, second by Councillor Jill Hood on behalf of Stafford County Council, third by Joyce Farnham representing Far East Prisoners of War, fourth by Philip Leason representing the Royal British Legion, and the final wreth laid by Heather Hanvey on behalf of the Stone Burma Star Association. Reverend Brian Williams closed the service with a blessing.
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Councillor Hood said: “Today Stone remembered VJ Day under the guidance of The Stone Burma Star Association. We laid our wreaths in Stonefield Park and prayers of remembrance were said. . We were not allowed to publicise the event due to Covid-19 restrictions but rest assured Stone remembered them.Thanks go to Jim and Heather Hanvey for their organisation of the event.”
More than 70, 000 British and Commonwealth troupes lost their lives in the far East, 12,000 of those in prisoner of war camps in Japanese captivity. The commemorations honour those heroes who stood together and fought hand to hand in the jungles. From an army of one and a half million, 80% came from across the commonwealth 40 different languages spoken and every religion imaginable.
In the words of the Kohima Epitaph:
When you go home
Tell them of us and say,
For your tomorrow,
We gave our today
Pictures of the ceremony below
1 comment
David platt
Great to see such a brilliant example of social distancing