Hemel Hempstead commemorates 75th anniversary of VJ Day

The Royal British Legion Hemel Hempstead Branch organised a commemorative event on Saturday, August 15, to mark VJ Day.

The 75th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan) was recognised in a special event at the Walled Garden in Gadebridge Park on Saturday, commemorating the end of the Second World War.

Despite the wet weather, a number of people attended the event, organised by the Royal British Legion Hemel Hempstead Branch, president Major Bob Fisher, chairman Sue Rose and standard bearer Howard French, attendees included the Mayor of Dacorum and cllr Julie Banks the Armed Forces Covenant Champion for Dacorum Borough Council.

The Mayor of Dacorum, cllr Terry Douris, said: "I was honoured to attend the commemorative service on the 75th anniversary of VJ Day.

"It was a fitting tribute to the service personnel who were part of the battle in Japan.

"The event was an opportunity to remember those who had gone before us and the sacrifices they made so that we can live in peace and harmony today. It was a sombre but uplifting day.

"Gadebridge Park's Walled Garden is a place of peace and tranquility, it was a beautiful setting.

"It was gratifying to seen a number of people who had braved the weather to come down for the service."

The Royal British Legion Hemel Hempstead Branch organise the commemorative service every year, and it normally starts with a service in the town centre, the event was scaled back this year due to social distancing guidelines.

Sue Rose, chairman of the Hemel Hempstead Branch, said: "We mark the commemorative event every year, this year was slightly different due to the social distancing guidelines, so we went straight to the Walled Garden in Gadebridge Park.

"It was nice and I was surprised at how many people came down to the service, even with the rain!"