The City of Ely Council and the Royal British Legion are proud to announce a day of remembrance and celebration to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) on Friday, 15th August 2025.
The day will honour the momentous end of the Second World War and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by service personnel from Ely, Cambridgeshire, and across the Commonwealth.
A Full Day of Reflection and Commemoration
The programme will begin at 10.45am with a ceremonial raising of the VJ Day 80 Flag, followed by a Service at Ely’s War Memorial, where civic dignitaries, veterans, serving members of the Armed Forces, and residents will gather to remember those who served in the Far East campaign. The service will include the laying of wreaths, prayers, and to honour peace restored and lives lost.
At 12.00 noon there will also be a National Silence for 2 minutes.
The city will then come together once again at 6pm at St Mary’s Church, Ely, where the Royal British Legion and St Mary’s Church will be hosting a VJ Day tea party. Then, at 7pm, St. Mary’s Church will deliver a poignant evening service of remembrance and thanksgiving. The service will include readings, music, and reflections in memory of those who never returned home.
The day will conclude with a Beacon Lighting Ceremony, part of a coordinated national initiative to symbolise the light of peace emerging from the darkness of conflict. Sing! Choirs will be joining the community to provide musical entertainment to mark the occasion. The beacon will be lit at approximately 7.45pm by command of the Mayor of Ely, accompanied by members of the Royal British Legion and local cadet forces.
The Significance of VJ Day for Ely and Cambridgeshire
While VE Day marked the end of the war in Europe, it was VJ Day that brought global peace after the long and harrowing campaign in the Asia-Pacific region. For the people of Cambridgeshire, and Ely in particular, VJ Day holds special significance. Local men and women served with distinction in the Far East, enduring extreme hardship as prisoners of war or in active combat. Many families across the district still carry the legacy of loved ones who served in Burma, Malaya, and beyond.
David Martin, Chair of the Royal British Legion Ely Branch said
“We will be remembering all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice has always been important to us. The local cost of war to bring an end to World War 2 and the war in the Far East has especial significance to us with many serving in the Cambridgeshire Regiment at the fall of Singapore and who suffered unimaginable pain as prisoners of war. We honour those individuals and all who have served and continue to serve their Country.”
Anna Bennett, Visit Ely Manager added
“The City of Ely Council warmly invites residents and visitors to take part in this historic day of national significance. This is an opportunity to come together to honour and pay tribute to the Second World War generation from our local region, across the UK and the Commonwealth. It has been an honour and a pleasure to organise these thought-provoking events throughout the year”
