GREAT HARWOOD CIVIC SOCIETY
JUST as it celebrated the 75th anniversary of VE Day on the special Bank Holiday in May this year, Great Harwood is going to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VJ Day – Victory in Japan – the actual end of the Second World War.
Those who served in the Pacific theatre of war are often referred to as the Forgotten Army and it is, therefore, fitting that they are remembered at a special event on Saturday, August 15, in the grounds of Churchfield House in Great Harwood.
The local branch of the Royal British Legion and the town’s Civic Society have organised a tribute to the veterans of VJ Day – a tribute which will be commemorated at similar events throughout the world.
10.55am – Last Post, by Royal British Legion
11.00am – 2 minutes’ silence
11.02am – Reveille, by Royal British Legion
11.05am – Cry for Peace, by town crier
11.10am – church bell sounds at St Bartholomew’s.
Everyone is invited and welcome to come along and pay their own tributes to those who served and suffered in the Far East but they are asked to respect the social distancing measures that will be in place – staying in family pods and keeping these 2 metres apart.
Each year on St Lawrence Day – August 21 – the ‘Crying of the Fair’ is proclaimed on Towngate in Great Harwood.
This maintains a tradition started in 1338 when Adam Nowell was awarded Charter rights for Great Harwood after fighting on the side of Edward III in Scotland.
The Civic Society invites everyone to come along at 9am on the day and celebrate this historical event with the town crier – social distancing measures will be in place.