Now let’s journey to a day of national remembrance: the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. Unlike the widely recognized VE Day, which celebrated the end of fighting in Europe, VJ Day—Victory over Japan Day—signifies the true conclusion of the Second World War. On this day, Japan’s surrender officially ended the deadliest conflict in human history. For the United Kingdom and Commonwealth nations, VJ Day remains a solemn reminder of the war’s brutal campaigns in Asia and the Pacific, often overlooked but just as devastating. It is a date forever etched into the royal and national calendar.
This year, the commemoration was held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, a location of immense symbolic power. The arboretum, stretching across 150 acres, is not simply a park but a living landscape of remembrance. With over 400 memorials dedicated to regiments, services, and individuals who gave their lives, it stands as a sacred sanctuary of collective memory. It was here, in this place of silence and tribute, that King Charles and Queen Camilla joined dignitaries, veterans, and families to honor the fallen.
The ceremony carried all the solemnity one would expect: prayers were offered, readings delivered, and moments of quiet reflection observed. Each part of the service served as a reminder that the sacrifices of those who fought—especially in the harsh jungles of Burma, the Pacific islands, and beyond—must never fade from memory. Yet, in the midst of this formality, something deeply personal and unexpectedly moving took place.
His Majesty, who has courageously continued his public duties despite his ongoing battle with cancer, was recognized in a way that left the entire gathering breathless. A 104-year-old veteran, Yavar Abbas, a man who had lived through and served in the war’s darkest days, stepped forward. With the wisdom of a century etched into his voice, he honored the king. Abbas spoke of “a brave king,” acknowledging Charles’s determination to be present at the service even while facing serious health struggles. These words, spoken with sincerity by someone who had seen history unfold firsthand, carried immense emotional power.
The tribute struck a chord that was impossible to ignore. King Charles and Queen Camilla, figures who so often embody poise and restraint, were visibly moved. Tears welled in their eyes as the moment laid bare a rare glimpse of vulnerability. This was no staged exchange but a genuine meeting of hearts across generations—the monarch and a veteran united by their shared understanding of duty and perseverance. It was, for many, the defining image of the day: a bridge between the sacrifices of the past and the endurance of the present.
Following the service, Buckingham Palace released a statement to capture the significance of what had transpired. Within it was a powerful reminder: “In times of war and in times of peace, the greatest weapons of all are not the arms you bear, but the arms you link.” These words spoke volumes. They reminded the nation that while weapons may win battles, it is unity, compassion, and solidarity that sustain peace. Linking arms—standing together—remains the truest sign of strength.
The palace’s message also emphasized the importance of honoring those who fought in the Far East. Their campaigns, fought under brutal conditions and often in obscurity, represented some of the war’s most harrowing chapters. From relentless jungle battles to the suffering of prisoners of war, these men and women endured trials unimaginable to most. Their recognition during this anniversary was not only just but long overdue.
