Sittingbourne commemorates Victory over Japan Day
18
Aug
An event was held in the High Street on Saturday to honour and remember the thousands of British and Commonwealth service personnel who, 80 years ago, continued to fight in Asia and the Pacific until Victory over Japan was declared.
The day commenced with a short Service of Remembrance at the War Memorial in Central Avenue led by Pat Tatchelland and attended by his majesty’s representative, Deputy Lieutenant, Paul Auston DL and Mayor of Swale, Cllr Karen Watson. Several veterans, community organisations and residents were also in attendance.
The event organised by Diversity House, continued with a ceremonial cake cutting followed by live music, cultural performances,
and community stalls.
A number of special talks took place at Sittingbourne Baptist Church including ‘A reflective look at Africa's role in the lead-up to VJ Day and its aftermath’ by Dr Anne Samson, ‘The Train that Jumped the Gap’ by Richard Emmett and ‘Commonwealth soldiers in World War 2 in Japan’ by Dr Christine Locke.
Andy Hudson
Sittingbourne.Me