Let’s build fairer world, says Sturgeon on VJ Day
● FM pays tribute to allied forces who ‘ensured freedoms that we enjoy today’
People should be inspired by the “idealism” of those who fought in the Second World War, Nicola Sturgeon has said, as she paid tribute to the fallen on the 75th anniversary of VJ Day.
The First Minister said people should once again commit to creating a “better, fairer and more peaceful world”.
Today marks 75 years since Japan surrendered to the Allied forces on 15 August, 1945, ending hostilities.
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall are due to take part in a private service of remembrance and thanksgiving and then lead a national two-minute silence at 11am in honour of those who lost their lives in the war.
The Red Arrows are also due to fly over Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff and London – the first time such a flight has taken place since the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The charity Legion Scotland is holding an online service of remembrance and a concert.
Scotland’s veterans minister Graeme Dey will join a number of former and serving members of the armed forces to observe a twominute silence on the steps of St Andrews House, the Scottish Government building in Edinburgh.
Before the anniversary commemorations, Ms Sturgeon said: “It was on this date in 1945 that the conflict in the Far East ended and World War Two came to a close.
“In marking the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, we remember everyone – the soldiers and civilians on all sides – who paid the ultimate price during the conflict.
“We think of those who served in the armed forces, from across Scotland, the UK, the Commonwealth and the other allied nations.
“We remember the pain and suffering of those who spent years in prisoner-of-war camps. And we reflect on all those who contributed to the war effort on the home front and the sacrifices they made.
“Together they ensured the freedoms that we enjoy today. And all of us should be inspired by their service, resilience and bravery – as well as by their idealism, their determination to create a better world in the aftermath of the war.”
Legion Scotland will be issuing medallions in honour of those who made a contribution to the war effort.
The commemorations came as it was announced Scots D-day veteran John Hutton had died at the age of 96. John, known by his friends as Jock, was 19 when he served in the 13th Lancashire Parachute Battalion during the Second World War. In 1944, he parachuted into Normandy and descended to the famous Pegasus Bridge on D-day.
The MOD said the “courage and spirit” of Mr Hutton, from Stirling, “must never be forgotten”.