VJ Day: King honors UK veterans, warns war true cost
King Charles III Honors WWII Veterans on VJ Day
In a nationwide audio address, King Charles III celebrated the courage of World War II veterans during the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day. The audio message highlighted the enduring lesson that the true cost of war extends far beyond battlefields, touching every facet of life.
Key Themes of the Address
- Legacy of Valor – GW veterans proved that the greatest weapons are the bonds forged in war and peace.
- VJ Day Remembrance – The nation observed a two‑minute national silence at noon, followed by Red Arrows flypasts and vintage Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft.
- Atomic Bomb Acknowledgment – Charles urged recognition of the devastation inflicted upon Hiroshima and Nagasaki, hoping no nation would endure such suffering again.
Commemoration Service Details
The National Memorial Arboretum hosted a remembrance gathering attended by veterans aged 96 to 105, who served in East Asia and the Pacific.
Speaker Highlights
King Charles stated:
“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. Let us pledge to be vigilant guardians of the values they bequeathed to us.”
International Voices
- Japanese Emperor Naruhito spoke of deep remorse on the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender, as thousands paid respects at the controversial Yasukuni Shrine.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the nation’s debt to those who fought for freedom, promising to honor their sacrifice with each new generation.
Future Commitments
King Charles and Prime Minister Starmer both called on the public to keep the sacrifices of WWII veterans alive, ensuring that the values of liberty and peace guide Britain’s future generations.
