Lancaster holds tribute to fallen on VJ Day

Lancaster mayor Coun Malcolm Thomas led a tribute to the fallen as part of VJ Day celebrations in Lancaster.
By Gayle Rouncivell
Published 18th Aug 2020, 10:54 BST
Updated 18th Aug 2020, 10:58 BST
The VJ Day commemorations in Lancaster on Saturday.The VJ Day commemorations in Lancaster on Saturday.
The VJ Day commemorations in Lancaster on Saturday.

Saturday August 15 marked the 75th anniversary of the end of the second world war with the surrender of the Japanese Imperial Forces and was designated VJ Day.

Coun Thomas, joined by mayoress Trisha Thomas, led the city's tribute in the Garden of Remembrance at Lancaster Town Hall.

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Rev Canon Chris Newlands, vicar of Lancaster, led the service and four members of the Royal British Legion were present.

Mayor and Mayoress of Lancaster, Coun Malcolm Thomas and Trisha Thomas, with ex-service representatives.Mayor and Mayoress of Lancaster, Coun Malcolm Thomas and Trisha Thomas, with ex-service representatives.
Mayor and Mayoress of Lancaster, Coun Malcolm Thomas and Trisha Thomas, with ex-service representatives.

The first wreath was laid by the mayor, followed by two Royal British Legion wreaths laid by chairman Raymond Hirst and treasurer Dr Stephen Cade.

The Exhortation and Kohima Epitaph were said by the Royal British Legion chairman either side of The Last Post, two minutes' silence and Reveille, played by Sam Virdie of Ripley St Thomas CE Academy, during which the Lancaster and Lancashire branch standards were dipped by branch secretary Andrew Taylor and committee member Bill Williams.

After the dispersal of the parade a Royal Army Medical Corps Association wreath was laid by the British legion treasurer and accompanied by the secretary, both being ex-RAMC.

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At noon a wreath was laid by Col (Rtd) Peter Dew accompanied by members of the Lancaster Military Heritage Group Committee, including chairman Col (Rtd) Mike Diss and Mrs Pam Dew. The British Legion Standard Bearers again dipped standards for a minute's silence.

Due to the Covid-19 restrictions the ceremonies had to be kept low key and were not publicised.

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