Her Majesty the Queen has issued the following message on the 75th anniversary of VJ Day
“Today we mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, which brought victory for the Allies and finally marked the end of the Second World War.
Those of us who remember the conclusion of the Far East campaign, whether on active service overseas, or waiting for news at home, will never forget the jubilant scenes and overwhelming sense of relief. Amongst the joy at the end of the conflict, we also remembered, as we do today, the terrible devastation that it brought, and the cost borne by so many.
Prince Philip and I join many around the world in sending our grateful thanks to the men and women from across the Commonwealth, and Allied nations, who fought so valiantly to secure the freedoms we cherish today. May the memory of their sacrifice and bravery remain with us always.”
Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire Lady Haughey CBE also attended a special ceremony in Motherwell hosted by North Lanarkshire Council Depute Provost Tom Castles to commemorate the end of the Second World War in the Far East . Wreaths were placed at the war memorial outside the Civic Centre during this year’s ceremony which was scaled back in accordance with the restrictions in place as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic .
It should also be noted that a special display to mark the 75th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War is being staged in Hamilton’s Low Parks Museum .
Staff at the attraction , which reopened this week following the easing of lockdown , have been working behind the scenes while it was closed to prepare a commemorative display on VJ Day which also includes elements of the planned VE Day exhibition which could not be staged due to lockdown at that time .