A statement from Cllr Gina Needs, Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion and Enforcement, at Enfield Council.
“VJ (Victory over Japan) Day takes place on Friday 15 August, where wartime stories and memories will be shared by people across the UK.
“As we approach VJ Day in Enfield it is time for us to think and reflect on the past sacrifices of thousands of our Armed Forces, who were still fighting in the Far East when the Second World War ended in Europe in May 1945.
“VJ Day marks the day Japan surrendered on 15 August 1945, which ended the Second World War.
“It’s incredible to think the descendants of many veterans are today part of multicultural communities around the world, which is a long legacy to the comradeship of all those who fought in the Asia-Pacific.
“While the Royal British Legion hosts a National Commemorative Event in Staffordshire to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we will be paying tribute by holding our own remembrance event in Enfield.
“Please come and join us with your family and friends at Enfield War Memorial on Friday 15 August at 11.45am, to pay your respects to all those who served our country.
“I would like to thank the Deputy Lieutenant for Enfield and the Royal British Legion to helping us to co-ordinate our event, which is an opportunity to thank and to pay tribute to the many who are no longer with us.
“Later in the day, Enfield Civic Centre will be lit up in red, white and blue lights on the day, to show our gratitude to all the men and women who fought and worked for the peace we enjoy today.
“VJ Day is a poignant anniversary and is a time for us to remember and to offer thanks to the millions of men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
“More than 90,000 British troops were casualties in the war against Japan - 30,000 died and 37,500 were held as prisoners of war.
“For hundreds of thousands of service personnel from Britain and the Commonwealth, it would take many months to be reunited with their families, some of whom they hadn’t seen for over five years.
“We will remember them.”
VJ Day event in Enfield - Friday 15 August 2025
Enfield Council will be hosting a commemorative service at Enfield Chase War Memorial (junction of Windmill Hill and Chase Side, EN2) at 11.45am.
Ann Cable, Deputy Lieutenant for Enfield, Cllr Margaret Greer, Mayor of Enfield, Royal British Legion and Armed Forces representatives, and Enfield councillors will lay wreaths on the War Memorial.
Two prayers will be read aloud, and The Last Post will be played.
A national two-minute silence will be observed at 12pm at the War Memorial.