VJ Day, commemorating the victory of the Allies over Japan and the end of the Second World War, is going to be marked differently this year.
The day, Saturday 15 August, will be marked with a wreath laying ceremony and silence on Victoria Square from 10.50am. There will be a two-minute silence at 11am and the public is welcome to mark their respect by joining in at home, work or elsewhere.
People are welcome to observe the ceremony but must social distance from others not in their households.
The Mayor of Bolton, is also asking for anyone with photographs, memories and stories from serving in the armed forces in the war against Japan or relatives of those who did to email them to mayorsoffice@bolton.gov.uk
The material will be shared on the Mayor’s and council’s social media and to be archived with the Local History service.
There will also be an online church service from Bolton Parish Church by the Reverend Canon Chris Bracegirdle which will be available to be watched on the church’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/boltonparishchurch/
“The Second World War was such a major event in the history of the world and the 75th Anniversary marks a significant moment,” said the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Linda Thomas.
“VJ Day marks the official end of the war and also our victory over Japan. Many people from the borough will have served in the Far East. We will be commemorating their service and making sure that they certainly are not the ‘forgotten army’.
“While our commemorations will be markedly different this year because of the pandemic, our thoughts and thanks are with all those who served and their families.
“I’d be grateful to receive any memories and photographs from that time which can use to commemorate the day virtually.”
Councillor David Greenhalgh, Leader of the Council added: “Earlier this year we commemorated VE Day, the victory over Nazi Germany, in trying circumstances.
“We will now be honouring the service of those who fought and served our country in whatever capacity in the Far East.
“Whilst our current situation is far different from what those brave men and women went through, I hope we can take inspiration from their service and continue to follow the government guidance and protect our fellow citizens from this devastating virus.
“The present restrictions mean that we cannot commemorate the day together, but I’m sure we will remember the service of family, friends and the borough’s residents in our own way.”