The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
On 15 August 2025, the United Kingdom will mark the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan, the date that brought the final end to the second world war.
While VE Day 1945 marked the end of the war in Europe, thousands of British and Commonwealth troops continued to battle against Japanese forces in Asia and the Pacific. Three months later, victory over Japan was declared on 15 August, following imperial Japan’s surrender to allied forces. The dropping of two atomic bombs on Japanese cities—one in Hiroshima on 6 August and the other three days later on Nagasaki—resulted in enormous devastation, bringing the six-year global conflict to a rapid end and introduced the ever-present threat of nuclear war.
The human cost of the second world war was overwhelming, leading to death and destruction for millions of people on both sides. British and Commonwealth forces suffered heavy casualties, disease and extreme conditions. The campaign in the far east saw thousands of allied troops taken prisoner of war and forced into hard labour. The end of the war brought mixed emotions, widespread sadness, relief and renewed hope that families and soldiers long separated would soon be reunited. It would take months and much effort to bring British service personnel back home, some of whom had spent five years overseas.
Today, our world once again appears increasingly fragmented and uncertain. As we mark what may be the final anniversary with living veterans, we must take this moment to thank them and pay tribute to their service. As their living history fades, it becomes ever more important to share their stories and preserve the lessons they leave behind, so that future generations can understand the true cost of total war and the enduring value of peace.
This anniversary offers the nation an opportunity to come together and reflect on the extraordinary sacrifices made by those who served in the far east, and to pay tribute to all who contributed to the allied victory. We saw how the UK came together for VE Day, echoing the celebrations 80 years ago, with community celebrations and street parties in a nationwide act of celebration and friendship. On 15 August, we will once again come together to commemorate the second world war generation, and listen to stories directly from those who lived through the conflict and hear first hand about their experiences.
The national commemorations will commence with a Government reception to celebrate VJ Day with veterans. Government buildings and high commissions across the globe will also be lit up on 15 August to commemorate VJ Day.
On Friday 15 August, the VJ Day 80 service of remembrance will take place in partnership with the Royal British Legion and include a national two-minute silence at midday. The event will be attended by second world war veterans of the far east campaign, VJ association members, senior politicians, and military personnel. It will pay tribute to the British, Commonwealth and allied veterans who served in the far east theatres of war, the Pacific and Indian Ocean territories. The national commemoration will feature a Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force guard of honour and music provided by military bands. The event will host a spectacular tribute to veterans involving 400 members of the armed forces, the Red Arrows and historic aircraft from the battle of Britain memorial flight, featuring the historic Dakota, Hurricane and Spitfire aircrafts.
Veterans will be at the heart of the service and include Burma Star recipients, British Indian Army veterans and those involved in the battles of Kohima and Imphal, as well as prisoners of war held across the region and veterans stationed in the UK or Commonwealth countries, who contributed to the war effort. Members of the public are encouraged to participate in a national two-minute silence at midday on Friday 15 August.
The Government are working with partners across the UK, including the devolved Governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, to ensure commemorations are UK-wide. The Government national engagement programme runs throughout the year, forming a golden thread of remembrance that connects VE to VJ Day. In partnership with imperial war museums, a range of activities will support this effort, including the ongoing letters to loved ones project, which invites the public to explore their family history and share letters and testimonies from those who served in the far east. IWM will also deliver a paper crane-making initiative at IWM London, a screening of Es Devlin’s “I saw the world end” in Piccadilly Circus, and large-scale public screenings of a new contemporary VJ Day film, with an immersive augmented reality experience at IWM North, offering deeper reflection through personal stories, sound, and archive film.
Internationally, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s “for evermore” tour will expand to new sites including Nairobi war cemetery in Kenya, Sai Wan in Hong Kong, Kranji in Singapore, and Kanchanaburi in Thailand, honouring the global contribution and sacrifice of those who served.
We owe this to the second world war generation who, 80 years ago, fought for our freedom and paid the ultimate sacrifice. It is a chance to reaffirm our national commitment to peace and to ensure that the lessons and legacies of the second world war are never forgotten.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s interactive website, https://ve-vjday80.gov.uk , offers key information and resources, including ways to get involved in the commemorations.
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