Johnson joined by world leaders in message of thanks
PRIME Minister Boris Johnson was joined by nine other global figures – including US president Donald Trump – in recording a video tribute to mark VJ Day commemorations.
In the Friendship of Nations message each leader said in turn: “To all who served, we thank you.” Canada’s prime minister, Justin Trudeau, and counterpart Scott Morrison from Australia were also among those who took part.
Mr Johnson said: “On this 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, we pay tribute to the heroes deployed thousands of miles away in the mountains, islands and rainforests of Asia. “Unable to celebrate the victory in Europe, and among the last to return home, today we recognise the bravery and ingenuity of those who, in the face of adversity, restored peace and prosperity to the world.”
He added: “Their immeasurable sacrifice changed the course of history and at today’s commemorations, we take the opportunity to say what should be said every day – thank you.”
And in a letter addressed to the veterans of the Far East Campaign, Mr Johnson again showed his gratitude to the 50,000 British and Commonwealth service personnel who laid down their lives in the war against Japan, half of whom died in prison camps.
He said: “You were the last to come home but your achievements are written in the lights of the glittering capitals of the dynamic region we see today.”
Meanwhile, Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe yesterday laid flowers at the Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery in Tokyo for unidentified war dead – as Japan marked 75 years since its surrender in the Second World War.
Abe refrained from visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, which is seen by the country’s neighbours as a symbol of its past militarism.