VJ Day 2020: Prince William addresses nation in televised tribute to veterans

The Duke of Cambridge addressed the nation on the evening of VJ Day to pay tribute to veterans who served during the Second World War, saying it is “hard to imagine” what it was like in 1945 when fighting came to an end.

Speaking in a pre-recorded speech aired during the BBC One programme VJ Day 75: The Nation’s Tribute, Prince William described how as “the most catastrophic conflict in mankind’s history came to an end”, his great-grandfather, King George VI, addressed the nation.

The address was recorded earlier this month at The Guards Memorial, which is located opposite Horse Guards Parade in London.

“As he marked the moment the world had long prayed for, King George expressed his pride in the international effort from across the Commonwealth and Allied nations which secured success in the Asia-Pacific region,” the duke said. “We are forever grateful to all those who fought alongside us.

“It is hard to imagine what Victory over Japan Day must have felt like at the time; a mix of happiness, jubilation, and sheer relief, together with a deep sadness and overwhelming sense of loss for those who would never return home.”

Prince William stated that on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, “we remember those who endured terrible suffering and honour all those who lost their lives”.

The second-in-line to the throne spoke about the experiences of his grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, who served in the Far East and was on board a ship in Tokyo Bay when Japanese officials signed their surrender to the Allied forces.

“He remembers vividly his role in collecting released prisoners of war, a sign, as sure as any to him, that the war was finally over,” Prince William said.

The royal also recited the words of the Kohima Epitaph, which is carved on the memorial to the 2nd British Division in the Kohima war cemetery in northeast India.

“When you go home, tell them of us and say. For your tomorrow, we gave our today,” he said.

He continued, saying that as the nation reflects on the war, “we must not forget our responsibility to learn the lessons of the past and ensure that the horrors of the Second World War are never repeated”.

“We owe that to our veterans, to their families, and to the generations who will come after us,” the duke stated.

As we mark the 75th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, to each and every one of you who contributed to the effort, I say, thank you, our country owes you a debt of gratitude. Your bravery, and the sacrifices you made, will never be forgotten.”

Prince Philip made a rare appearance on VJ Day, being featured in a photo montage of veterans that was broadcast on big screens across the country, including in Piccadilly Circus, London.

The Queen shared a special message on the day, expressing her gratitude to “those who fought so valiantly”

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall led a two-minute silence during a televised remembrance service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, with Prince Charles delivering a speech in tribute to the hundreds of thousands of Allied and Commonwealth servicemen and servicewomen who were stationed in the Far East.

“All too often those who served in the Far East have been labelled ‘the Forgotten Army’, in a forgotten way,” the heir apparent said.

“Many of the soldiers, nurses and other personnel felt anger and disappointment at how they were treated when they finally returned home from a war which, from the public’s point of view, had ended on May 8 1945.”