Thousands of people across the county will come together today for acts of remembrance to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day.

At 11am the nation will join together for a two-minute silence to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many and ceremonies will take place across Kent to remember those who gave their lives.

VJ Day on August 15, 1945, saw Emperor Hirohito announce Japan's surrender, bringing to an end the hostilities of the Second World War and sparking celebrations around the world.

Among those who will be remembering fallen comrades today will be Leslie Stelfox, a former ‘Desert Rat’ now living on the Isle of Sheppey.

At 107, Mr Stelfox is believed to be the oldest surviving Second World War veteran.

He is a resident at Blackburn Lodge, Sheerness, having moved there from his home in Cherry Tree Close, Milton Regis, Sittingbourne, which he had shared with his late wife Caroline.

In May he joined fellow residents to celebrate VE Day, and the day after he celebrated his 107th birthday.

Home spokesman Paula Fagg said: "Les fought at El Alamein and then onwards into Italy. Unfortunately, he never made the Far East as he was blown up at Monte Cassino."

Mr Stelfox, who was born in Dover Street, Sittingbourne, in 1913, admitted: "I wanted to join the Navy but there wasn’t a recruitment office open, so I joined the Army. I just wanted to join up to play my part."

Some events to mark the 75th anniversary of the Japanese surrender will be a little different this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ashford Borough Council will be commemorating the milestone with an online event, including an address from the new Mayor of Ashford, Cllr John Link.

He said: “Seventy five years ago we were asked to remember all those who had lost their lives as we celebrated VJ Day, so I hope everyone will take the time to do the same this year, and give thanks for their courage which means we can enjoy the freedom we have.

"All the men and women involved in the Far East war must never be forgotten..."

“We are currently dealing with a different kind of enemy, but we have shown the same fighting spirit and bravery. While we commemorate VJ Day, please also remember those we have lost to Covid."

The Dover & Deal Branch Burma Star Association will be holding its annual VJ Day service despite the pandemic-enforced restrictions.

Numbers attending will be kept to a minimum and social distancing measures will be followed when the Association's service takes place at the Burma Star Memorial in Deal Castle Paddock opposite Deal Castle at 6pm.

In Folkestone a ceremony will take place to mark the anniversary at Garden of Remembrance in Sandgate Road at 11am.

The Lady Colgrain, the Lord-Lieutenant of Kent and Her Majesty The Queen’s official representative in the county, has issued a message to mark the 75th anniversary.

She said: "I encourage everyone across Kent and Medway, wherever they are and whatever they are doing, to respect the two-minute silence, led by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, from the National Memorial Arboretum at 11am.

"All the men and women involved in the Far East war must never be forgotten. Just like those who fought in Europe, many paid an equally heavy price for giving us the freedom we enjoy today.

"We thank them for their service and sacrifice. We remember them."

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