Town plans full day of events to mark VJ Day

IN order to support the 80th anniversary of Victory of Japan Day (VJ Day) on Friday, August 15, Lockerbie and District Community Council are set to hold an alfresco coffee morning in front of Lockerbie Town Hall.

Should inclement weather prevail, this will then be held in the town hall itself.

The coffee morning will run from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm, while music of the day will be played from the balcony from 9 am to 4 pm.

Paying tribute to all those who served in the Far East and the Pacific, just before noon, a lone piper will play a number of laments, with a two-minute silence held at midday. This will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony.

The community council are asking members of the public, various local groups such as scouts, girl guides and brownies to come along and show their respects.

Community council treasurer, Roger Claymore said: “During this conflict, over 90,000 British troops were casualties in the war against Japan – 30,000 died and 37,500 were held as prisoners of war, and now there are just over 800 war veterans still alive.

“These figures do not include Commonwealth and American troops who fought and died in this needless conflict.

“We must also remember the Japanese military and members of the public, who were also killed or injured in this cruel and horrific war.”

To finalise the event, the lighting of a beacon in days gone by, was a simple and effective way of communicating with your neighbours. The event organisers are promoting the lighting of beacons up and down the countryside.

Roger added: “We the, community council, have planned to ignite a beacon on the Hass Hill, thus keeping traditions ongoing and alive.”