On Friday 15th August 2025 at 1100am, a short service was held at the War Memorial in remembrance and celebration of VJ Day, (when Japan surrendered and WW2 actually came to a conclusion.).

The Newton Abbot Royal British Legion President, Chairman and Vice Chairman were present, with the latter carrying the Legions Standard.

The short service was conducted by the Reverend Dave Brown, the team rector of St Paul’s.

Newton Abbot Town Council was represented by the Mayor of Newton Abbot, Councillor Colin Parker, along with the Portreeve of the Manorial Borough, councillors and council staff.

A bugler sounded the last post and reveille, marking the start and finish of a two minutes silence, enabling everyone to reflect and remember the sacrifices of those who serviced our country both from our own shores and from the commonwealth.

Moving speeches were given by the Reverend Brown and from the Mayor, drawing on the many aspects of todays reflection and celebrations and how to many, this period was and is still known by many, “ as the forgotten war” but not today here in Newton Abbot.

Wreaths were laid by the Chairman of RBL, Richard Underhill and by RBL President, Councillor Michael Joyce, who was honoured to be asked to lay the Burma Star wreath.

After the short service, members gathered at St Leonards Tower at noon, where it could be seen that the VJ flag was being flown.

A proclamation was read out by the Town Crier, which was followed by the sounding of the last post, a two minutes silence and, finally, the sounding of the reveille.

The RBL Chairman then recited ‘The Kohima Epitaph’

At both locations many others joined the occasion which added to the atmosphere of the moment.

Thanks should be recorded to all those who took part and to NATC for their support, the Town Crier for the reading of the proclamation and to the Bugler who is no stranger to our remembrance parades.