Region to mark VJ Day

COMMEMORATIVE events to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day will be held across the region next week. This year marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War with August 15 the day Imperial Japan surrendered in effect bringing the war to an end. To mark this significant anniversary, a VJ 80 Parade will take place in Dumfries town centre on Saturday 16 August from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm with representatives of retired and serving armed forces personnel, members of our local cadet units, and other uniformed organisations taking part. The parade will be led by members of the Dumfries and Annan Town Bands and will include a display of John Webster Vintage Army Vehicles, the Royal British Legions Scotland (RBLS) Riders Branch and Standard Bearers from RBLS Branches. The Provost of Dumfries, Councillor Tracey Little, will deliver the welcome and the councils’ Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Archie Dryburgh MBE will act as Master of Ceremonies. His Majesty’s Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Dumfries, Gordon Dickie will address the Parade. Wreaths will be laid by, Mr Dickie; His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for The Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, The Lord Sinclair; and His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Wigtown, Mrs Aileen Brewis. Commenting ahead of the anniversary Dumfries and Galloway Council Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Archie Dryburgh MBE, said: “As the 80th Anniversary of the VJ Day approaches, our council is preparing to honour the occasion. We hope that many people will be able to support us on the day in commemorating the sacrifices that were made by so many of our comrades then, and in recognition of the continued active service of every soldier, sailor and aviator, and their families, who form part of our invaluable armed forces today.” There are also several community-led commemorative events taking place across the region on Friday 15 August as follows:

• Annan War Memorial at 10.50 am.
• Castle Douglas outside Royal British Legion Rooms, Market Hill at 11.00 am.
• Dalbeattie War Memorial, Colliston Park at 6.30 pm.
• Dumfries War Memorial, St John’s Church at 11 am.
• Langholm War Memorial at 10.45 am.
• Lochmaben War Memorial at 11.00 am.
• Moffat Town Hall at 11am.
• Newton Stewart War Memorial, Dashwood Square at 1.30 pm.
• Sanquhar War Memorial at 11am.
• Stranraer, Castle Green at 11am.