Wolverhampton pays tribute on VJ Day in memory of sacrifices

A moment of reflection and tribute was held at the service in Wolverhampton’s St Peter’s Square next to the cenotaph.

Veterans, civic dignitaries and members of the public were among those who took part in the service of remembrance.

Wolverhampton Mayor and Mayoress and representatives from the Royal British Legion, Wolverhampton United Ex Service Council and the Burma Star Association’s Wolverhampton Branch gathered to pay their respects on Wednesday.

Trumpets sounded and standards were hoisted up and lowered as a sign of respect to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

A prayer was held, followed by two minutes of silence, for people to reflect on the anniversary of Victory Over Japan Day.

A wreath was laid by Wolverhampton Mayor Phil Page, who had a relative who endured the conditions in Japan. “One of my relatives was a prisoner of Japan and he never spoke about it. We never knew about the trials and tribulations,” he said.

“We sent giants there and their determination got them through and personally, I will always think about how it affected my family. It’s a statement to those who served, suffered and died during the conflict in the Far East.

“Commemorating VJ Day gives us the opportunity to remember the courage and bravery shown in the Far East by many thousands of British servicemen, some of whom were sadly never to return.”

Korean War veteran Fred Bunce spoke at the anniversary. “August 15 is when we come together with the people of this city to celebrate and to remember the celebration, that was the end of the war in Japan 73 years ago,” he said.

“Millions of people lived, fought and died in the Far East. We have to remember the prisoners of war, not only from the armed forces but the civilians as well.

When prisoners came home, many of them never recovered and so we’re here to remember, always remember those three little words ‘lest we forget’.

“We will remember them.”