Bolton’s commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of VJ Day will be accompanied by broadcasts including speeches by Winston Churchill and King George VI from the time.
During the war there were no television broadcasts. Residents got their news from newspapers, by listening to the radio and watching news reels when they went to the cinema.
As part of the wreath laying ceremony on Saturday 15 August, the speeches and some of those news items will be broadcast into Victoria Square over the tannoy system.
Councillor David Greenhalgh, the Leader of Bolton Council said: “Just as we had Dame Vera Lynn played across the Town Hall Square for VE Day, this Saturday, to mark the 75th Anniversary of VJ Day, you will hear broadcasts of the famous Pathe News of the time, relaying to our people the news that the war had finally come to an end.
“It is so important that even though we currently face a very different challenge, we must never fail to remember and mark these significant milestones in our country’s history, and never forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
The day will be marked with a wreath laying ceremony and silence on Victoria Square from 10.50am. There will be a two-minute silence at 11am and the public is welcome to mark their respect by joining in at home, work or elsewhere.
People are welcome to observe the ceremony but must social distance from others not in their households.
The Mayor of Bolton, is also asking for anyone with photographs, memories and stories from serving in the armed forces in the war against Japan or relatives of those who did to email them to mayorsoffice@bolton.gov.uk
The material will be shared on the Mayor’s and council’s social media and to be archived with the Local History service.
There will also be an online church service from Bolton Parish Church by the Reverend Canon Chris Bracegirdle which will be available to be watched on the church’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/boltonparishchurch/