NAFAS

The 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan) took place on Friday 15th August 2025, commemorating the end of the Second World War. HRH King Charles recorded a message which was broadcast widely. While VE Day (Victory in Europe) marked the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, many thousands of Armed Forces personnel were still engaged in fighting in the Far East. Victory over Japan would come at a heavy price, and Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) marks the day Japan surrendered on 15th August 1945, which ended the Second World War.

Fighting in the Asia-Pacific took place from Hawaii to North East India. Britain and the Commonwealth’s principle fighting force, the Fourteenth Army, was one of the most diverse in history – more than 40 languages were spoken, and all the world’s major religions represented.

The descendants of many of the Commonwealth veterans of that army are today part of multicultural communities around the world, a lasting legacy to the success and comradeship of those who fought in the Asia-Pacific. (Information from https://ve-vjday80.gov.uk/vj-day/)

Joint NAFAS Co-Ordinator, Linda O’Sullivan, created a beautiful design for the Candle of Peace at Westminster Abbey. It was placed in the centre of the 13th Century Cosmati Pavement, in front of the High Altar. Plant material, mainly white to represent peace, included:

• White spray Roses
• Single white Roses
• White sweet pea
• White spray carnations
• White Veronica
• Soft ruscus
• Leather leaf
• Alchemilla mollis

Many services are live streamed and also available afterwards. The link to use is https://www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music/watch-services