Ben Wallace – 2020 Comments on VJ Day Plans

Comments made by Ben Wallace, the Secretary of State for Defence, on 5 August 2020.

VJ Day is sometimes seen as the forgotten victory, but this year, on its 75th anniversary, our celebrations are rightly focused on paying special tribute to the Greatest Generation and their service and sacrifice in the Far East. I will be thinking of the unique hardships faced by those who served, and thanking them for all they did for us.

The partnerships forged during the Far East campaign continue to thrive today. It’s a unique honour for me as Defence Secretary to meet Second World War veterans in person at important commemorations such as these. As a former Army officer, I understand just how much today’s troops are inspired by those who came before them.

I am proud we have put together such a full programme of events and look forward to paying tribute to our amazing Asia pacific war veterans.