Royals lead tributes as the world stops to remember on the day war ended at last
Prince Charles, the Duke of Cambridge and the First Minister paid tribute yesterday to all those who died during the Second World War on the 75th anniversary of VJ Day.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall led a two-minute silence at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
The Duke of Cambridge addressed the nation in a televised tribute honouring veterans on VJ Day, 75 years after his great-grandfather gave a speech marking the end of the Second World War.
In a pre-recorded speech on BBC One’s VJ Day 75: The Nation’s Tribute, William spoke of how King George VI addressed the nation on August 15, 1945, as “the most catastrophic conflict in mankind’s history came to an end”.
And Nicola Sturgeon said people should be inspired by the “idealism” of those who fought in the war and commit to creating a “better, fairer and more peaceful world”.
Yesterday marked 75 years since Japan surrendered to the Allied forces.
Prince William said: “It is hard for us to imagine what Victory over Japan Day must have felt like at the time – a mix of happiness, jubilation and sheer relief, together with a deep sadness and overwhelming sense of loss for those who would never return home. Today we remember those who endured terrible suffering and honour all those who lost their lives.”
Scotland’s Veterans Minister Graeme Dey joined a number of former and serving members of the armed forces to observe a two-minute silence on the steps of St Andrews House, the Scottish Government building in Edinburgh.
Legion Scotland held an online service of remembrance and a concert.
Ms Sturgeon released a video message on social media, saying: “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 we enjoy today.”
Legion Scotland chief executive Claire Armstrong said: “Whilst VE Day marked the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, many thousands of armed forces personnel were still engaged in bitter fighting in the Far East.
“This campaign saw some of the fiercest fighting of the Second World War and in some of the harshest conditions, with many thousands of British and Commonwealth forces and civilians taken as prisoners of war, enduring terrible mental and physical trauma.”
Three Scottish veterans met the Red Arrows at Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
Veterans Whitson Johnson, Albert Lamond and Barney Roberts greeted the pilots as they stopped to refuel during the Red Arrows’ nationwide tour.