Last week, Worcester came together to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day – the day the Second World War finally came to an end. It was an honour and privilege to attend three very moving commemorations that reminded us of the courage, sacrifice, and endurance of those who fought in the Far East.

In the morning, I spoke at the Guildhall at the official VJ 80th anniversary commemoration. In my speech, I reflected on how, when we think of the Second World War, while many of us think first of Normandy, the Blitz or the liberation of Europe, the war in the Far East was equally brutal and even more prolonged. Men from across the Commonwealth fought in jungles, mountains and monsoons against a determined enemy. Among them were the men of the Worcestershire Regiment – the 2nd and 7th Battalions who endured terrible conditions in Burma, and whose service and sacrifice Worcester remembers with pride.

At lunchtime, I joined the Act of Remembrance at the Worcestershire Regimental Stone in Gheluvelt Park where we joined in the national two-minute silence. Standing before that memorial, with veterans, families, and representatives of our armed forces, we remembered those from Worcester who never returned. Their legacy lives on – not just in history books, but in the values of duty, resilience, and sacrifice that continue to shape our city.

The next day, I attended the VJ Day service at Claines Parish Church, organised so thoughtfully by the Royal British Legion. It was a moving occasion of prayer, reflection, and thanksgiving.

At these commemorations, I was joined by representatives of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association, the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, the High Sheriff, representatives of the armed forces, and many local dignitaries. Their presence was a reminder of the deep respect our county continues to hold for all who served.

For many, the Far East campaign was known as the ‘forgotten war’. But here in Worcester, we will not forget. As I said in my speech, let us honour them not just in remembrance, but in our actions – by standing up for peace, by working together as a community, and by passing on their stories to future generations. We will remember them.