VE/VJ Day commemoration plans advance
Planning for the Wealden VE/VJ Commemoration Day is now well advanced. “We are very pleased to stage this special commemorative event on August 20. It is important that we take this opportunity to remember the sacrifices that were made sixty years ago in order to preserve freedom in Europe and the Far East,” said Councillor Raymond Parsons, Cabinet member for Corporate Services on Wealden District Council. “I would particularly like to thank our colleagues on Uckfield Town Council who have been helping with the preparations for what we hope will be a great family day out.”
Wealden’s VE/VJ Commemoration Day will take place at the Luxford Field in Uckfield, from 11 am to 5 pm, with no charge for admission.
A parade of wartime and post-war military vehicles will leave Bellbrook Industrial estate at 10 am for Luxford Field. The High Sheriff of East Sussex and other civic dignitaries will then lay a wreath at the Uckfield war memorial at 11.00am. Wealden District Council will host a lunchtime reception for veterans of World War II in the Uckfield Civic Centre. These event takes place the day before the Official VJ - Victory over Japan – commemorative event at the London Cenotaph.
The Wealden event will include a Veterans Parade, a Spitfire flypast (expected around 2.30pm), and a ‘Dad’s Army’ military re-enactment.
There will be numerous memorabilia and stalls. At the Sussex Air Ambulance stall a book of war time memories will be created. People who now live in Wealden are asked to come and tell their war time stories, wherever they may have been during the war.
It is hoped that memoirs collected by Wealden District Council and other organisations may be co-ordinated at some point in the future to create a record for posterity.
Music on the day will be provided by The Eddie Bryan Big Band and a Scottish Piper. Children will receive a free booklet Remembering the Second World War in Wealden, and free copies of the District Council’s acclaimed publication Wealden Walks will be available on the day.
The events of August 20 will end with a VJ Day Party for Peace at the Civic Centre Uckfield, organised by Uckfield Town Council. Dancing will be to the music of the Ian James Big Band - 1940s dress is optional. It will run for 8pm –11.30pm, and there will be a £5 admission charge. Tickets are available in advance from the Box Office on 01825 769694, or on the door.
