Fareham Borough Council has raised a flag today to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War – VJ Day.

The Mayor of Fareham, Cllr Mrs Louise Clubley, was joined by the Mayor’s Cadet – Cadet Corporal Oliver Reasons; the Chief Executive of Fareham Borough Council, Andrew Wannell; and the Executive Leader, Cllr Simon Martin, to raise the official VJ Day commemorative flag in Fareham West Street.

The Second World War was finally over on 15 August 1945, when the Japanese forces surrendered to the allied forces. This followed on from VE Day – Victory in Europe Day – which was marked in May.

There will also be a two-minute silence, held at 12 noon this afternoon, to remember those who fought and died.

The Mayor of Fareham, Cllr Mrs Louise Clubley said: “It is a great privilege to be here to commemorate the 80 years since VJ Day and remember those who went before us. Commemorations like these are especially poignant for towns like Fareham which have such a strong link to the military and the armed forces. I also have a personal interest, because both my grandfathers were involved in VJ Day.”

Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Simon Martin, added: “I am pleased to be able to join the Mayor of Fareham today to raise the VJ Day commemorative flag in Fareham town centre. Many people from the Borough have relatives that took part in the fighting, so VJ Day is an incredibly significant date. I am delighted that we are able to mark it today in Fareham.”