Wealden commemorates VE/VJ Day
To mark the end of World War II sixty years ago, Wealden District Council is organising a Commemoration Day for the District to take place on Saturday August 20.
Wealden’s VE/VJ Commemoration Day will take place at the Luxford Field in Uckfield starting at 11 am, with no charge for admission. It will include a major display of wartime and post-war military vehicles, a Spitfire flypast and a ‘Dad’s Army’ re-enactment. The Council will be holding a Civic Reception for veterans of World War II in the Uckfield Civic Centre at 12 noon.
“May and August this year saw the sixtieth anniversary of the end of the war in Europe and Japan,” said Councillor Raymond Parsons. “These were momentous events for the people who fought and lived during these difficult times, and also for the generation that came afterwards. From the sacrifices made by the people of 1939-45 has grown a lasting peace in Europe and the emergence of Japan as peaceful ally in the Far East.
We believe it is important that these events do not go unremembered at the start of this new century.”
The VE/VJ Commemoration Day will be also include a Veterans Parade, the music of the Eddie Bryan Big Band, stalls and memorabilia. A free education booklet will be available to children attending the event.
“I know that Councillor John Vincent had been looking forward to hosting this important event,” said Councillor Pat Kennedy, Vice Chairman of Wealden District Council. “We are all looking forward to what we hope will be a very successful day.”
In the evening of August 20, Uckfield Town Council will be holding a VJ Day Party for Peace at the Civic Centre with the music of the Ian James Big Band. It will run for 8pm –11.30pm, and people can attend in 1940s dress. There will be a £5 admission charge.
