On Friday 15th August 2025, Truro will join communities across the nation to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), marking the end of the Second World War.
A formal wreath laying service, led by the Truro Branch of the Royal British Legion, will take place at 11am at Truro’s War Memorial on Boscawen Street. This ceremony will offer the community a moment to honour those who served and sacrificed in the Far East campaign. At 9pm, a beacon lighting ceremony will be held on High Cross as a further tribute to the day’s importance.
Throughout the day, residents and visitors are invited to visit Victoria Gardens, where they can reflect and pay their respects at the Burma Star Association (Truro Branch) plaque, dedicated to the memory of Earl Mountbatten of Burma, the Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in South East Asia. This plaque is located at the top of the gardens, near Pollen.
These events in Truro form part of the national VJ Day 80 commemorations, marking Japan’s surrender on 15 August 1945, which brought the Second World War to a close.
While VE Day in May 1945 celebrated the end of conflict in Europe, many Armed Forces personnel continued to fight in the Asia-Pacific region. The campaign, spanning from Hawaii to North East India, was fought by the Fourteenth Army – one of the most diverse forces in history, representing more than 40 languages and all major world religions.
Today, the descendants of those who served in the Fourteenth Army are part of the UK’s vibrant multicultural communities, a lasting legacy of shared sacrifice, unity, and courage.
To mark the occasion, Truro City Council’s Parks Department has also created a VJ Day 80 floral display at Trafalgar Roundabout, Truro, providing a special tribute to those who served.
Truro City Council invites all members of the public to take part in this important day of remembrance.
Further information about the VJ Day events taking place in Truro can be found on the Visit Truro website – https://www.visittruro.org.uk/whats-on/vj-day-anniversary