BSMF Director's VJ Day 80th anniversary message
Posted on 5th Mar 2025 by Mark Seymour
BSMF Director Mark Cann has written an open letter reminding people not to allow this year's 80th anniversary of VJ Day to be overshadowed - or even forgotten - by events commemorating VE Day.
"As we approach the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, it is imperative that the celebrations of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) are not overshadowed or forgotten, particularly in the wider commemorations of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). While VE Day marked the end of the war in Europe, VJ Day represents the final conclusion of a global conflict that claimed millions of lives and reshaped the modern world. To allow VJ Day to fade into the background is to do a disservice to those who fought and suffered in the brutal campaigns of the Pacific/Far East theatre.
"The war in the Pacific was characterised by some of the most gruelling and horrific conditions endured by any soldiers during the conflict. From the jungles of Burma to the beaches of Iwo Jima, the tenacity and courage of those who fought against Japanese forces were extraordinary. The Burma Campaign, often referred to as the war's "forgotten campaign," saw the 14th Army – a diverse force made up of British, Indian, African, and other Commonwealth troops – engage in one of the longest and most arduous campaigns of the entire war. Their contributions were critical to the eventual Allied victory, yet they have often been overshadowed by the events in Europe.
"Many endured years of harsh captivity as prisoners of war, facing inhumane treatment and unimaginable suffering. These sacrifices must be honoured with the same reverence as those made on the battlefields of Europe and elsewhere.
"Furthermore, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, while controversial, played a pivotal role in bringing about the end of the war. The ethical debates surrounding these events should not diminish the significance of VJ Day, but rather serve as a poignant reminder of the profound cost of global conflict. The peace secured on VJ Day marked the true end of the Second World War, bringing a sense of closure to those whose loved ones remained in distant theatres of war.
"The 80th anniversary presents a vital opportunity to ensure that the stories of those who served in the Far East are preserved and passed on to future generations. With the dwindling number of surviving veterans, this may be one of the last significant milestones where their voices can be heard directly. To allow VJ Day to be lost in the noise of VE Day commemorations would risk consigning their legacy to history’s footnotes.
"Both VE Day and VJ Day were defining moments in the struggle for freedom, but they are not interchangeable. The men and women who served in the Far East deserve distinct and equal recognition. In marking this 80th anniversary, we must reaffirm our commitment to remembering all those who fought for peace – not just in Europe, but across the globe. The lessons of their sacrifice remain as relevant today as ever, and we owe it to them to ensure their contributions are never forgotten."