The Queen will lead the country in recalling the sacrifices of British Second World War forces who fought and died defeating Japan.
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For VJ Day celebrations today, the Queen and husband Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip joined Prime Minister David Cameron and former prisoners of war at a remembrance service at St Martin-in-the-Fields church at Trafalgar Square in London. The fly-past will include a Swordfish, a Dakota and Hurricane, together with an RAF Typhoon, report the Telegraph.
Afterward, veterans, internees and members of the military will walk through central London toward Westminster Abbey in a special parade.
The route will be lined by military bands.
Atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki forced the Japanese to surrender, bringing the conflict to an end.
Britain deployed tens of thousands of troops to the region, and the so-called “forgotten army” fought the retreating Japanse Army for months until the final surrender on August 15, 1945.
Also in the bay was the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Whelp with Philip, then a First Lieutenant, part of the ship’s company. “And this afternoon, it will be a celebration because we’re still here”, he added.
Historian Rafe Heydel Mankoo told Sky News: “Many veterans feel that their accomplishments and the bad tragedies they had to endure have been overlooked”.
Meanwhile, the Mail on Sunday claimed it was informed by sources that a specific threat was made against the Queen.
Scotland Yard said the Met had been working closely with the events’ organisers and relevant partners to ensure the policing operation is “proportionate and appropriate”.
“I would also like to reiterate our long-standing advice to residents and visitors to remain vigilant and alert”.
Joining in on the VJ commemorations today, he said: “the memory of all those that didn’t come back”.
Bishop to the Armed Forces Nigel Stock, whose uncle was a prisoner of war, delivered the sermon, saying, “we remember as we need to be reminded of what the human spirit can achieve”. Hundreds of spectators were expected to cheer them on.
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The monarch entered the church with her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, who was proudly wearing his medals from his service in World War II.
