Rutland Remembers Victory in Japan Day at Oakham War Memorial. Photographs and Video

Rutland Remembers Victory in Japan Day

On Friday, a small but poignant service was held at the war memorial in Oakham to commemorate Victory in Japan (VJ) Day, marking the end of the Second World War. A small group of people gathered, including representatives from Rutland County Council, the armed forces, and members of the public, to pay their respects to those who served and sacrificed.

Dr. Sarah Furness addressed the attendees at 11:50 a.m., sharing a message of remembrance. The gathering provided an opportunity for the community to reflect on the immense cost of the war and honour the memory of those who lost their lives.

Reverend John Ellis led the service with a brief speech and prayers, while Oakham Town Council showed its support by sending Mayor Christopher Nix to represent the council. Mayor Christopher Nix read the powerful speech that King George VI delivered to the nation on VJ Day, connecting the present-day ceremony with the historic moment of victory and peace.

The service included the solemn tradition of laying wreaths. The Lord Lieutenant and Mayor Christopher Nix placed wreaths at the foot of the war memorial, a symbolic act to remember and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering and commemorating key historical events and the people who lived through them.