VJ Day parade in Preston wiped out by the bug - just like VE Day

The fear of new Covid restrictions has forced the cancellation of next Saturday's VJ Day parade in Preston.
By Brian Ellis
Published 7th Aug 2020, 15:48 GMT
Updated 7th Aug 2020, 15:56 GMT
VJ Day celebration has been called off due to coronavirus.VJ Day celebration has been called off due to coronavirus.
VJ Day celebration has been called off due to coronavirus.

The fear of new Covid restrictions has forced the cancellation of next Saturday's VJ Day parade in Preston.

Organisers have decided to pull the plug as a precaution after a recent spike in coronavirus cases in the city.

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Veterans in their nineties were due to attend the event to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Retired Colonel David Waters has 'reluctantly' cancelled the VJ Day event.Retired Colonel David Waters has 'reluctantly' cancelled the VJ Day event.
Retired Colonel David Waters has 'reluctantly' cancelled the VJ Day event.

But the potential risk to their health led to the parade and memorial service being called off, just as it did for VE Day celebrations in May.

"It is such a shame because everyone was looking forward to it, especially after what happened three months ago," said retired Colonel David Waters, president of the Preston and District Veterans' Council.

"But after careful consideration I have made the decision to pull out of the event at Preston Cenotaph. The decision is based solely on the rising R-number in Lancashire and in Preston in Particular.

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"Many of the veterans are in the senior bracket and in terms of risk are more vulnerable, especially the WW2 veterans who are all well into their nineties and above.

Ex-Scots Guards Warrant Officer Michael Nutter would have been playing a major role as Parades Marshal for the city of Preston.Ex-Scots Guards Warrant Officer Michael Nutter would have been playing a major role as Parades Marshal for the city of Preston.
Ex-Scots Guards Warrant Officer Michael Nutter would have been playing a major role as Parades Marshal for the city of Preston.

"The event would have been to honour them and, if it's not right for them to be there, the commemoration would have lost a great deal of its poignancy.

"All is not lost though. We will have to make Remembrance Day 2020 an extra special one."W

Former Scots Guards Warrant Officer Michael Nutter, who is Parades Marshal for the city of Preston, would have been playing a leading part next Saturday.

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He said: "Whilst I'm disappointed that we can't remember those that served - and especially those who paid the ultimate price - to safeguard our futures and freedom, I fully support the decision not to proceed.

"The priority for me and all the veterans I work alongside is to support the public health priorities and we will therefore personally remember those involved in VJ Day in a safe way in line with current advice.

"I believe the parades in Preston bring our communities together. As veterans we will look forwards to future events to bring the city together."

Related topics:PrestonVeteransOrganisers

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