The Prince and Princess of Wales have shared a personal message to mark VJ Day to remember the “the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of all who served”
The Prince and Princess of Wales have issued a heartfelt message to commemorate VJ Day, honouring “the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of all who served”.
Their moving tribute follows the King’s own homage to those who battled and perished in the Pacific and Far East during the Second World War, declaring their service and sacrifice “shall never be forgotten”.
VJ Day on August 15 commemorates the end of the six-year conflict.
Much of the 1945 celebrations centred on VE (Victory in Europe) Day in May, leaving those who served in the Far East branded The Forgotten Army, reports the Mirror.
In their special statement, William and Kate declared: “Today, on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we remember the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of all who served. Today we especially think of those British and Commonwealth troops who fought in the Asia-Pacific.
The King made his address to the nation on Friday morning (Image: PA)
“We owe an enduring debt to the generation who gave so much, and to whom we will always be grateful. Lest we forget. W and C”.
William and Kate will be absent from today’s national service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
Nevertheless, the King, Queen Camilla and Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be in attendance.
In his earlier message today, Charles praised the “courage and camaraderie” of heroes who battled in the Pacific and Far East during “humanity’s darkest hour” as “a flame that shall blaze for eternity”. He also notably recognised the destruction wrought by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that brought about Japan’s surrender, outlining the “immense price” paid by its people as one “we pray no nation need ever pay again”.
William and Kate issued a statement (Image: PA)
His contemplation of the nuclear strikes, which brought about the conclusion of the Second World War, arrives amid heightened fears over the worldwide threat of nuclear warfare.
In an audio address to the nation, realms and Commonwealth, the King reflected on the horrors endured by allied prisoners of war “who endured years of brutal captivity: the starvation, disease and cruelty that tested the very limits of human endurance”, and the “mental and physical scars” the conflict inflicted on survivors.
And he pledged the service and sacrifice of VJ Day heroes “shall never be forgotten”, addressing their families and the “sadly dwindling band of veterans”: “Please know that the courage and camaraderie displayed in humanity’s darkest hour is a flame that shall blaze for eternity – a beacon that honours our past and guides our future.”
The King, in what is thought to be the most explicit acknowledgement by a British sovereign of the suffering in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, stated it was proper to reflect and recognise the consequences of the “war’s final act” on the inhabitants of the Japanese cities. “Innocent civilian populations of occupied territories faced grievous hardships, too,” he said in the broadcast released at 7.30am today.
“Their experience reminds us that war’s true cost extends beyond battlefields, touching every aspect of life – a tragedy all-too vividly demonstrated by conflicts around the world today.
Keir Starmer meets World War II veteran Stanley Ellis during a VJ Day commemorative reception to mark the 80th anniversary at Downing Street garden(Image: TOLGA AKMEN/POOL/EPA/Shutterstock)
“On this landmark anniversary, we should also pause to acknowledge that in the war’s final act, an immense price was paid by the citizens of Hiroshima and Nagasaki – a price we pray no nation need ever pay again.”
He added: “But in recalling so much suffering, we must not lose sight of how great was the cause and how sweet the victory.”
More than 90,000 British troops became casualties during the conflict with Japan, with nearly 30,000 losing their lives, whilst over 12,000 Britons were amongst the 190,000 Commonwealth forces imprisoned by the Japanese.
The US forces bore the heaviest losses amongst Allied nations, with over 100,000 killed in combat.
In Hiroshima and Nagasaki, more than 200,000 people perished from the American atomic bombs and in the following months from radiation poisoning, severe burns and other critical injuries.
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