Preston WILL be on parade for VJ Day 75
Council chiefs have agreed to allow an outdoor event in the city centre on Saturday August 15, as long as participants stick to social distancing rules.
“It’s great news,” said retired Colonel David Waters (inset), president of the Preston and District Veterans’ Council.
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Hide Ad“The city wasn’t able to have a parade for VE Day for understandable reasons. So we hope this will make up for that for so many people.”
Plans are still being worked on for the big day which commemorates the end of the Second World War in August 1945.
While VE Day celebrating the ending of the war in Europe, the conflict in the Far East dragged on for another three months until Japan surrendered.
"Allied troops were called the ‘forgotten army’ because, while the war had ended here, they were still fighting over there until August,” explained Col Waters.
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Hide Ad“So this is the true end of the war 75 years ago and we need to mark that as best we can. I’m pleased we are going ahead and I’m sure everyone will adhere to social distancing rules.”
The Mayor of Preston, Coun David Borrow, said: “It is an honour and privilege for the council to be liaising with the Veterans Council about holding a small ceremony.
“The event will be held at the Cenotaph on Preston Flag Market and will adhere to social distancing measures and current Covid19 guidelines.
"As we are still in the planning stages, more details will be given nearer the time.”
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