3:00pm Saturday 6th August 2005
By Guardian-series
SIXTY years on from the end of the Second World War and Redbridge is preparing for the culmination of its celebrations with two events to mark Victory in Japan.
On Sunday, August 14, Redbridge Council will be holding a VJ remembrance service at the Snaresbrook Crown Court chapel at 11am.
Those who served during the war will be invited,along with their friends and family, to witness the service and afterwards there will be a picnic in the court grounds.
Providing the entertainment will be a tabla band, playing southern Asian percussion instruments, and later the Timepiece jazz band, who performed at the council's recent VE/VJ Day event in Valentines Park.
With the borough already having marked Victory in Europe day earlier this year, an official commemoration of VJ Day will take place from 11am on Monday, August 15, at the Ilford war memorial in Eastern Avenue.
During the service, a wreath will be laid to remember those who lost their lives in the war and there on the day will be Redbridge mayor Charles Elliman, local war veterans, army officers, representatives from local faith groups, the Royal British Legion and councillors.
Residents are being urged to attend to the event as well.
Chairman of the council's VE/VJ Day working team Cllr Arthur Leggatt said: "We thank all those who have worked hard to organise this thank you' for 60 years of peace on mainland Britain.
"However, we have in recent weeks witnessed again bombs hitting London and our hearts go out to the families of those who died as a result of these atrocities.
"We also remember those who were injured and are suffering from the trauma of what they witnessed. Despite these outrages, we hope and pray that peace and unity will prevail," he added.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.guardian-series.co.uk