People came together in Penzance on Friday 15 August 2025 to honour the 80th anniversary of VJ Day at a Service of Commemoration organised by Penzance Council.
VJ Day, or Victory over Japan Day, is observed in the UK on the 15th August to commemorate the surrender of Japan in 1945, which officially ended World War II. It marks the end of the war in the Far East, following the Allied victory in Europe (VE Day).
In the beautifully peaceful Memorial Garden in Penlee Park, it was a very poignant event, with Rev. Derath Durkin leading the service and reminding those gathered:
“Today we stand with our nation. It is a time for remembrance, reflection, and a celebration of peace – not a glorification of war.”
Town Clerk of Penzance, James Hardy opened the service, welcoming everyone to the garden, and the Kohima Epitaph was read by Mary Jane Willows.
Brian Venn from the Royal British Legion was the standard bearer for the service, and veteran Robert Bolitho laid a wreath on behalf of the Legion.
See all the photos from the event in the slider gallery below:
