Slough came together in a moving display of remembrance and unity at an event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.
VJ Day, or Victory over Japan Day, is marked each year on 15 August - the date in 1945 when Japan surrendered to the Allied forces and World War Two ended.
The picnic-style event in Baylis Park, on 16 August, was attended by about 50 invited guests, including Armed Forces champion and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Neel Rana, representatives from the armed forces and other uniformed services, civic and political leaders – including the Mayor and Mayoress of Slough – and leading figures from voluntary, business, and faith organisations.
During the event, wreaths were laid at Slough’s main Second World War memorial in the park in tribute to all those who gave their lives.
Councillor Neel Rana said: “It was an honour to be involved in this important event to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. It was a fantastic day and showed Slough at its best – united and with a shared community spirit.”
Councillor Dexter Smith, Leader of the Council, added: “It was a privilege to stand alongside representatives from across the civic, military and wider community to remember all those who lost their lives so that we have the freedom we enjoy today.”
The event was made possible thanks to generous support from the following businesses, Heathrow, Poyle Two, Colnbrook Cares, Jayflex, and JMIC and volunteers from Slough CVS and Viva Slough.
The event reaffirmed Slough’s commitment to its armed forces community – building on the council’s recent signing of the Armed Forces Covenant – and reflected the town’s proud tradition of honouring those who served. The council will continue to support events that bring residents together in shared remembrance and civic pride.
More information on the Armed Forces Covenant is available on the council’s website.