South Tyneside to Mark VJ Day
This week, South Tyneside will pay tribute to the tens of thousands of service personnel from across the UK and the Commonwealth who fought and died in the war against Japan.
Saturday 15th August 2020 marks Victory over Japan Day and 75 years since the end of World War II.
To mark this occasion, two small commemorative services will be held across South Tyneside.
The Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside, Councillor Norman Dick and Mrs Jean Williamson and Chair of Armed Forces Forum, Councillor Ed Malcolm, will lay a wreath at South Shields Cenotaph. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Gladys Hobson and an Army representative will also lay a wreath at the Carr Ellison Cenotaph in Hebburn.
Wreaths will also be placed in other key commemorative locations across South Tyneside, as a community mark of respect.
The Mayor of South Tyneside, said: "It is extremely important that we take the time to reflect on the significance of this victorious day and the impact it has had on the history and future of our country.
"Although the commemorative event will not be as originally planned, due to the current guidance around public gatherings of people, we are pleased to mark the day and honour our heroes of the Second World War."
As well as the laying of wreaths, the council has also invested in memorial benches and specially commissioned themed planters to commemorate the end of WWII.
The planters, newly located outside of South Shields Town Hall, will be filled with a red, white and blue display and will be unveiled by the Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Norman Dick and Councillor Ed Malcolm.
Memorial benches are also to be installed at South Shields Cenotaph and Carr Ellison Cenotaph where they will be unveiled on VJ Day as part of the commemorative services.
Councillor Ed Malcolm, Chair of the South Tyneside Armed Forces Forum, said: "VJ Day is the day on which Imperial Japan surrendered in World War II, effectively bringing the war to an end.
"This was a huge historical moment and the tens of thousands of service personnel from across the UK and the Commonwealth who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country deserve to be remembered and honoured, despite the challenges we currently face."
In previous VJ Day commemorations, people have been invited to sign a book with messages of remembrance and thanks for the WWII generation.
In the interest of public safety, this year we are asking members of the public to submit their words or photos electronically to be a part of a commemorative video.
Whether it's to remember a loved one or simply giving thanks to those who have served their country, the council is asking residents to submit their words or photos to marketing@southtyneside.gov.uk by Wednesday 12th August for them to be added to the video.