Published on 8th August 2025
Cheltenham will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on 15 August 2025, remembering both the surrender of Japan and the end of the Second World War in 1945.
To mark this anniversary, a short service led by Rev Graham Bowkett CF will be held at the war memorial on the Long Gardens, Promenade on Friday 15 August at 11:50am. The timing of the service will align with the national two minute silence at midday.
In attendance will be Mayor of Cheltenham, Cllr Dr David Willingham, HM Lord Lieutenant Mr Edward Gillespie and representatives of the local serving and veteran community.
Mayor of Cheltenham, Cllr Dr David Willingham, said: “VJ Day marks the effective end of the Second World War and gives us a moment to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the Far East.
“As we mark 80 years since the day Japan announced its surrender, it is more important than ever to honour the memory those who never returned and those who returned changed forever by the horrors of war. We must ensure their stories are never forgotten. This anniversary is a chance to come together in gratitude and remembrance.”
Wing Commander Roy Roberts RAF (Retd), Royal British Legion Cheltenham chair, said: “The timing of our service on Friday will enable us to mirror the national two minutes silence at midday. The silence will be observed in a nationalcCommemorative event at the Royal British Legion National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, and the event will be broadcast on 1 .
“We, and the relatives of Far East Prisoners of War holding their annual reunion in our town, are grateful to the mayor and borough council for their enduring support to remembrance in the continuing hope that current and future generations will be forever grateful for the sacrifices of those who went before us. Lest We Forget.”
For media enquiries to Cheltenham Borough Council, contact: communications, telephone 01242 264231, email [email protected].
For media enquiries to Royal British Legion Cheltenham Branch, contact: Roy Roberts 07798 783150.
