Latest news with #RoyalBritishLegion
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
VJ Day veterans to be honoured on 80th anniversary
Veterans who served in the Far East during World War Two are being invited as guests of honour to a service to mark the 80th anniversary of the allied victory there. The Royal British Legion (RBL) is asking both veterans and their families to register for the event, at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, on 15 August. VJ Day (Victory in Japan) marks Japan's surrender to the Allies in 1945 following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which effectively ended the war. The service will pay tribute to all those who served in the region, including Burma Star recipients, British Indian Army veterans and former prisoners of war. It will also commemorate those who fought in pivotal battles, including Kohima and Imphal in India. Veteran Owen Filer, 105, who was serving in India on VJ Day in 1945, plans to travel to the event from his home in Cwmbran, Wales, and said it would be a "poignant day". He said: "This is a significant moment for my generation and for all those who served out there and back home before Japan surrendered. "It will be an honour to be with the Royal British Legion and fellow veterans 80 years after the world went through so much, and to remember those who never made it back." Amrit Dhatt, whose grandfather Rajindar Singh Dhatt was drafted to East Asia with the Indian army, said he and comrades had "fought for our peace for today". "We need to come now together to remember that and to remain in unity," she told BBC Breakfast. The former Sgt Maj died on 21 May, at the age of 103 and Ms Dhatt said he had lived an "incredible life". "He was always so fond of speaking about his memories and for that I'm grateful because I had that first-hand experience of learning about what he went through," she added. The event comes weeks after the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. RBL research suggests there are about 8,000 surviving World War Two veterans in England and Wales, based on census and ONS data. The charity warned the number was likely to fall to below 300 over the next decade. Director General Mark Atkinson described the 80th anniversary as "one of the last opportunities" for the nation to thank veterans for their service. "We owe it to all those with a connection to VJ Day to pause and reflect on their contribution and legacy," he added. Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: Veteran, 100, recalls 'getting squiffy' on VE day VE Day 80: Poignant thank you to a heroic generation VE Day, VJ Day, D-Day: What's the difference? Royal British Legion
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Staffordshire honours VJ Day veterans at 80th anniversary event
Veterans who served in the Far East during World War Two are being invited as guests of honour to a service to mark the 80th anniversary of the allied victory Royal British Legion (RBL) is asking both veterans and their families to register for the event, at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, on 15 Day (Victory in Japan) marks Japan's surrender to the Allies in 1945 following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which effectively ended the service will pay tribute to all those who served in the region, including Burma Star recipients, British Indian Army veterans and former prisoners of war. It will also commemorate those who fought in pivotal battles, including Kohima and Imphal in India. Veteran Owen Filer, 105, who was serving in India on VJ Day in 1945, plans to travel to the event from his home in Cwmbran, Wales, and said it would be a "poignant day".He said: "This is a significant moment for my generation and for all those who served out there and back home before Japan surrendered."It will be an honour to be with the Royal British Legion and fellow veterans 80 years after the world went through so much, and to remember those who never made it back." The event comes weeks after the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe research suggests there are about 8,000 surviving World War Two veterans in England and Wales, based on census and ONS charity warned the number was likely to fall to below 300 over the next General Mark Atkinson described the 80th anniversary as "one of the last opportunities" for the nation to thank veterans for their service."We owe it to all those with a connection to VJ Day to pause and reflect on their contribution and legacy," he added.
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Only 8,000 World War Two veterans are still alive out of the five million British forces who fought for the nation
ONLY 8,000 World War Two veterans are still alive out of the five million British forces who fought for the nation. And a new survey to mark the end of the war 80 years ago predicts fewer than 300 will remain by the 90th anniversary. Five years ago, it was estimated that more than 70,000 of those who served between 1939 and the final surrender by Japan on August, 15, 1945 — VJ Day, the end of the conflict — were still with us. The Royal British Legion said those still alive in England and Wales range in age between 98 and 110. To pay tribute to the survivors and fallen, the RBL and Government are inviting veterans from the Far East to an 80th anniversary service at the National Memorial Arboretum, near Lichfield, Staffs, on August 15. RBL boss Mark Atkinson said: 'It's likely to be one of the last opportunities as a nation to thank those veterans still with us today for their service and sacrifice.' Among those attending will be Owen Filer, 105, from Cwmbran, South Wales, who was serving in India on VJ Day. He said: 'It will be an honour to be with the Royal British Legion and fellow veterans 80 years after the world went through so much. "And to remember those who never made it back.' World War Two veterans come together to mark the 80th anniversary of their victory 1
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
Only 8,000 World War Two veterans are still alive out of the five million British forces who fought for the nation
Those still alive in England and Wales range in age between 98 and 110 LAST OF THE FEW LAST OF THE FEW Only 8,000 World War Two veterans are still alive out of the five million British forces who fought for the nation Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ONLY 8,000 World War Two veterans are still alive out of the five million British forces who fought for the nation. And a new survey to mark the end of the war 80 years ago predicts fewer than 300 will remain by the 90th anniversary. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Five years ago, it was estimated that more than 70,000 of those who served between 1939 and the final surrender by Japan on August, 15, 1945 — VJ Day, the end of the conflict — were still with us. The Royal British Legion said those still alive in England and Wales range in age between 98 and 110. To pay tribute to the survivors and fallen, the RBL and Government are inviting veterans from the Far East to an 80th anniversary service at the National Memorial Arboretum, near Lichfield, Staffs, on August 15. RBL boss Mark Atkinson said: 'It's likely to be one of the last opportunities as a nation to thank those veterans still with us today for their service and sacrifice.' Among those attending will be Owen Filer, 105, from Cwmbran, South Wales, who was serving in India on VJ Day. He said: 'It will be an honour to be with the Royal British Legion and fellow veterans 80 years after the world went through so much. "And to remember those who never made it back.' World War Two veterans come together to mark the 80th anniversary of their victory
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Remember when town was invaded with colour and cheer?
Wimborne was transformed into a colourful mix of music, dance, and ancient traditions in June 2005 as hundreds of brightly dressed Morris dancers, bedecked with a cascade of colourful ribbons, jingling bells, and jaunty feathers, jigged and reeled through its streets for the annual folk festival. In a joyous invasion, more than a thousand dancers and musicians, armed to the teeth with polished sticks and crisp cotton handkerchiefs, descended upon the town for three days of spectacular pageantry and heartfelt community spirit. The air, thick with the scent of summer and the sound of laughter, pulsed with the rhythmic clash of wood on wood and the melodic swell of accordions, fiddles, and flutes. Teams of dancers, some having journeyed from as far afield as the rolling hills of Scotland and the emerald shores of Ireland, wowed the bustling crowds with their stunning synchronised routines and spectacular, time-honoured costumes. From the intricate, handkerchief-waving Cotswold style to the robust, stick-clashing Border Morris with its performers in vivid 'tatter' jackets, the diverse traditions of this uniquely English art form were on full display. The jangling bells, historically believed to ward off evil spirits, provided a percussive soundtrack to the dancers' movements, while the fluttering ribbons and feathers added a splash of theatricality to the proceedings. 'It's very traditional and what we want to encourage is the family atmosphere,' explained festival committee member Maria Bisp at the time, her voice filled with a passion for the event. Read more: Would you like to see a return of the 500ft 'Bournemouth Eye'? The rise and fall of Tucktonia - Dorset's 'greatest little Britain' When tragedy struck one of Bournemouth's oldest pubs 'We want to attract lots of young people to the festival because we hope that they will continue the traditions and help preserve our unique heritage.' This commitment to nurturing the next generation of folk enthusiasts was evident in the numerous workshops and interactive sessions held throughout the weekend, inviting festival-goers of all ages to try their hand at a Morris jig or learn a traditional folk song. The festival's roots run deep in the community. Brian founded the festival 45 years ago, spurred by a desire to share his love for folk culture and to support a cause close to the nation's heart. With a loan of just £395 from the local branch of the Royal British Legion, given on the condition that any profits would be donated to the Legion's Poppy Appeal, Mr Bisp embarked on his mission. The Poppy Appeal, a symbol of remembrance and a vital source of support for armed forces personnel and their families since the end of the First World War, found a fitting partner in the community-focused festival. That first event was a resounding success, doubling the initial investment, and the festival has flourished ever since, growing into a cornerstone of the UK's folk calendar. And their efforts undoubtedly paid off. Beyond the captivating street performances, the festival celebrated the very best of English and Celtic folk music in a series of live concerts at the Allendale Community Centre. The line-up was a who's who of the folk world, featuring the intricate melodies of top Irish bands like Lúnasa and Flook, and the soulful tunes of Mise. The Allendale also played host to the wonderful Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, the poignant storytelling of Colum Sands, and the energetic rhythms of Welsh trio Hoover the Dog. Read more: Pictures show the historic bridge which connects Christchurch and Bournemouth Bournemouth wave pool will never be forgotten The event that lit up Bournemouth but vanished without a trace Local talent was also given a platform to shine, with rousing performances from Four Hand Reel and Paul Burke's band. For many, a highlight was the sensational performance of one of the finest voices in the folk world, Roy Bailey. His career, hailed as representing the very soul of folk's working-class ideals, resonated deeply with the appreciative audience, his songs weaving tales of struggle, hope, and humanity. As evening descended, the Queen Elizabeth School became a whirlwind of energy as Whapweasel and Random provided the foot-stomping music for a lively Ceilidh, getting everyone, from seasoned dancers to enthusiastic novices, in the mood for dancing. Throughout the weekend, the town centre was a feast for the senses. Street entertainers captivated onlookers with their dazzling skills, while colourful stalls offered a treasure trove of goods, from ethnic clothes and intricate jewellery to handcrafted rugs and an array of musical instruments.
