They gathered on the Fylde coast for a commemoration despite coronavirus which caused the cancelling of many of the big VE Day eventa planned earlier in the year.
1.
The 75th anniversary of VJ Day, the day the Second World War ended with victory over Japan, was marked by a short, but moving service at the Fylde Memorial Arboretum and Community Woodland in Bispham
2.
Although numbers were limited to maintain social distancing, many people attended besides the 30 invited guests and many brought flowers
3.
Also present were many former services veterans and their families
4.
Forces standards were on display, but there was no parade due to coronavirus
5.
Nevertheless, the proper respect was paid to those who died and suffered appalling treatment in the Japanese Prisoners of War camps and on the Burma Railway
6.
Members of the public and guests heard from Reverend Deborah Prest, and the Changi Prayer from Jacqui Veasey from the Far East prisoners of war association