National VJ Day 70th Anniversary Commemorations

A national programme of commemorative events will be held in London on Saturday 15 August in order to mark the 70^th anniversary of VJ Day and to recognise all those who served the Crown in the Far East during WW2.

As with the recent VE Day 70 Commemorations, the Legion is honoured to be playing a key role alongside the Ministry of Defence in the planning and delivery of this activity. We are keen to ensure that as many veterans as possible from this campaign are given the opportunity to take part. 

The programme of events will be as follows:

Saturday 15 August

14:00              Drumhead Service and Flypast on Horse Guards Parade.

NB:  This element of the commemorations will also be open to the direct descendants of veterans who are no longer living or who are unable to attend in person. 

15:00              Veterans’ parade down Whitehall. 

15:30              Afternoon reception for veterans and VIP guests at College Gardens, Westminster Abbey hosted by The Royal British Legion

18:00              Close

In terms of eligibility to attend these commemorations, the requirement is that all veterans are Burma Star or Pacific Star holders.  Widows of those who held this military decoration are also eligible to attend.  Veterans will be able to bring along a direct family member and also a carer if needed, and widows will be able to bring along one guest or carer.

We also acknowledge, however, that some veterans are regrettably no longer with us, or others are unable to make the journey to London in person to attend the commemorations.  For those who fall into this category, we are also offering the opportunity for one of their direct descendants to attend a key element of the VJ 70 commemorations on their behalf; the Drumhead Service which will take place from 14:00 – 14:30 on Horse Guards Parade.  

As with VE Day 70, all those wishing to attend will be required to complete an accreditation and security clearance process.  However, in an attempt to keep this process as simple and straightforward as possible, we are offering the option of either an e-mail or postal application process.  For those who would prefer to complete a postal application, please contact the Admin Director who can supply covering letters and accreditation forms. 

There are two versions of both the letter and the form:

1. Accreditation for Veterans and Widows (To attend full programme of events including the Drumhead Service, Parade and Afternoon Reception)
2. Accreditation for Direct Descendants (To attend Drumhead Service only). 

There will also be a facility to claim a financial contribution towards travel expenses.  This contribution will be available for veterans, spouses (if applicable) and one guest/ carer. Or, for widows, plus one guest/ carer. Further details for how to claim this will be provided directly once accreditation has been successfully submitted and confirmation received. 

The closing date for all applications is Friday 17 July.  We expect all submissions to be approved – with accreditation confirmation, joining instructions and pass collection details provided to all confirmed guests – no later than 24 July.