How Hartlepool and East Durham people can pay tribute to the World War heroes who fought in the Far East

North East people pictured on the streets as they celebrate the end of the war on August 15, 1945.

The Royal British Legion has launched a huge programme to mark VJ Day and it includes a chance for people to make their own contributions to the anniversary.

The charity has launched an interactive map on its website to show the range of nations that service personnel came from.

Officials are also sharing the stories of those who lived through the conflict.

Tomorrow, the charity is holding a commemorative Service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire and encouraging the public to take part in a national moment of remembrance.

A Two Minute Silence will take place at 11am and the Legion is inviting the public to join in the silence remotely from home or share in the moment on BBC One.

The commemorations will pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the thousands of Armed Forces personnel, civilians and family members who contributed to victory in the Far East, and recognise the horrors they endured.

A small number of veterans and descendants of those who fought in the Far East will be able to attend the service, supported by the Legion’s welfare team, whilst others can follow the proceedings on television.

The interactive map and VJ Day 75 storytelling hub aim to provide a further way for the public to participate remotely and encourage people to learn more about this part of history.

It is available on the Legion’s website, and members of the public can read stories and personal accounts from those who experienced the conflict first-hand.

The Royal British Legion’s Assistant Director of Commemorative Events, Bob Gamble OBE, said: “As we mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day we are inviting the public to take this opportunity to honour the contributions of all who served and sacrificed in the Far East.

“Those serving with the British Forces in the Far East came from diverse backgrounds and cultures and much of the UK’s modern day multiculturism can be traced back to this period of history.

“We are encouraging as many people as possible to take part in the VJ Day 75 commemorations in whatever way they wish, whether that be by participating in the Two Minute Silence at home, or leaving a message on our dedicated map to ensure the veterans of the Far East are never forgotten.”

Captain Sir Tom Moore, a veteran of the Burma campaign, said; “I respectfully ask Britain to stop whatever it is doing and take some time to remember. We must all take the time to stop, think and be thankful that were it not for the ultimate sacrifices made all those years ago by such a brave band of men and women we would not be enjoying the freedoms we have today, even in these current difficult times.”

To access the full programme of activities, view the interactive map, leave a message of thanks or upload your own experience of VJ Day, visit www.rbl.org.uk/vjday75

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