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VJ Day service by Dover & Deal Branch of the Burma Star Association at Deal Castle

06:00, 15 August 2019

updated: 08:01, 15 August 2019

The annual Victory in Japan Service of Commemoration and Remembrance will be hosted by the Dover & Deal Branch of the Burma Star Association today.

The service, at 6.30pm in the memorial garden in Deal Castle Paddock, will be conducted by The Rev Dr Stephen Edward Young, deputy priest in ordinary to The Queen.

He is officiating on behalf of The John Lines MBE, Padre for the Downs Branch RBL, and the music is to be provided by the The Victory War Time Band under the direction of Steve and Karen Griffiths.

A previous VJ Service wreath laying at the Burma Star Association service of Remembrance at the Burma Memorial at Deal Castle
A previous VJ Service wreath laying at the Burma Star Association service of Remembrance at the Burma Memorial at Deal Castle

Standard bearers will attend from ex service associations including the local branch of the Royal British Legion.

The MP for Dover & Deal will be represented by Cllr Keith Lee who will be joined by town and parish council dignitaries from Deal, Dover, Sandwich and Walmer.

The youth will be represented by a small contingent of cadets from the Dover & Deal Sea Cadets and the Deal Detachment Army Cadets.

The Deal service comes as official VJ Day celebrations will be held throughout the world.

The Victory Wartime Band will provide music at the VJ Day Commemorative service by the Burma Star Association in Deal
The Victory Wartime Band will provide music at the VJ Day Commemorative service by the Burma Star Association in Deal

Burma Star Association branch secretary Malcolm Gibbons said: "This year commemorates the 74th anniversary since the end of the war in the Far East, which was known as the forgotten army.

"This commemoration service of remembrance takes place every VJ Day which takes place all over the country where there are Burma Star Branches are still in existence."

A reception and buffet will be held afterwards at the Royal Marines Club at the Strand Walmer.

Mr Gibbons added: "Anyone is more than welcome to attend or anyone who has a known relative who had served in the Far East from 1942 to 1945 is warmly welcomed to attend this important service."

In 2005 Bill Breeze looked on as Edna Pullen turned the page in the book of remembrance at a previous page turning ceremony in 2005.
In 2005 Bill Breeze looked on as Edna Pullen turned the page in the book of remembrance at a previous page turning ceremony in 2005.

A five minute service takes place every Saturday morning at noon at the Burma Star Chapel at Deal Castle.

Heroes of the conflict are remembered in a ceremonial page turning from the Book of Remembrance.

New attendees are welcome.

Read more: All the latest news from Dover

Read more: All the latest news from Deal

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