Chesterfield event will mark 75th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day

The socially-distanced commemoration will take place at the war memorial at Hasland’s Eastwood Park at 10.55am on August 15 and again in the evening at 8.15pm.

MORE: New ‘centre of excellence’ planned for Chesterfield is ‘great boost’, town boss says

At 10.58am the Last Post will be played and there will be a two-minute silence and a poetry reading.

This will be followed by the playing of Reveille.

In the evening, there will be a short meeting at the war memorial at 8.18pm when Sunset will be played to mark the end of the Second World War 75 years ago.

V-J Day marks the day that Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945, which ended the Second World War.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “When the Second World War ended 75 years ago with the surrender of Japan, British soldiers, sailors and airmen were serving in the Far East, fighting hard to achieve victory – and were among the last to come home.

“On this anniversary I want to remember what we owe the veterans of the Far East campaign.

“They brought an end to the Second World War, they changed the course of history for the better, liberated South East Asia, and many paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“That’s why on this remarkable anniversary – and every day hereafter – we will remember them.”

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden added: “We must never forget the bravery and sacrifice of our greatest generation.”

MORE: Chesterfield woman given driving ban after being caught over the limit in Clowne

A message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Nancy Fielder, editor