'VJ Day is stark reminder of the immense cost we face for securing peace'

Eighty years ago today, the world finally saw an end to the nightmare of the Second World War, with Japan’s surrender bringing six long, brutal years of global conflict to a close.

Today, we mark eight decades on with a special ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum, joined by around 30 remarkable veterans who served in the Far East all those years ago.

Of the millions of brave men who served in the Second World War, only a precious few are still with us. That’s what makes this 80th anniversary so poignant—and so vital. We owe it to our extraordinary veterans, and to ourselves, to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.

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Like many of my generation, I grew up listening to first-hand accounts from those who served in the Second World War, including members of my own family.

The stories of their service and sacrifice have stayed with me long into adult life. But the next generation rarely gets the chance to hear these stories directly from those who lived them.

That’s why today matters so much. We must use this moment to share these accounts and keep the memory of that remarkable generation alive.

VJ Day 80 isn’t just about honouring those who fought and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It’s also a stark reminder of the immense cost of securing peace.

VJ Day reminds us of the importance of never repeating the horrors of 1945: learning from the past, embracing democracy, and working with other nations. In our increasingly divided world, these lessons are more important than ever.

The veterans we celebrate today understood that freedom and democracy cannot be taken for granted. They stood up to tyranny with incredible courage.

Some survived unthinkable conditions in prisoner-of-war camps, many witnessing horrors that would stay with them forever—all so we could live in freedom.

When we observe our two-minute silence today and watch the Red Arrows soar overhead, let’s remember that peace means more than just the end of conflict. It’s about guaranteeing that everyone can enjoy justice, freedom, and hope.

The generation we honour today gave us these precious gifts through their service and sacrifice. So let’s remember them, thank them, and carry their legacy forward—not just in words, but in the values we live by.

Lisa Nandy is Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.