This year’s VJ Day commemoration, along with similar ceremonies across the country, marks the 80th anniversary of when Japan announced its surrender to the Allied forces and an end of World War Two.
At 6pm on Thursday 14 August, the Union Jack flag will be raised in Perceval Square by Donnie Maciver, Royal British Legion.
On Friday 15 August there will be a flag lowering ceremony and short service in Perceval Square commencing at 6:00pm.
Running order of evening ceremony:
- Address by Minister
- Laying of Wreaths by Iain Macaulay, Lord Lieutenant of the Western Isles and Cllr Kenny Macleod, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
- 2 minutes silence
- Reading of Ode of Remembrance by Francis Jefferson
- Speech by Cllr Kenny Macleod, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
- Pipers play to bring ceremony to a close as flag is lowered
Cllr Kenny Macleod, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said:
“80 years on from the conclusion of the conflict it is important we come together to remember the service of members of the armed forces in World War 2. We must pay tribute to all those who bravely fought and sacrificed for our communities and our country, and we must ensure that their memory stays strong within our minds.”
The arrangements for the raising of flags at Castlebay, Balivanich and Tarbert are detailed below:
- Castlebay - 3pm, Friday 15 August flag raising at Barra and Vatersay War Memorial
- Balivanich - 10.00am, Friday 15 August flag raising at Comhairle Offices
- Tarbert - 5pm, Thursday 14 August flag raising at Tarbert War Memorial.