Preston WILL be on parade for VJ Day 75

Armed forces veterans will celebrate VJ Day with a parade in Preston next month - 99 days after the disappointment of the “stay home” VE Day in May.
By Brian Ellis
Published 23rd Jul 2020, 12:30 BST
Former Scots Guards Warrant Officer Michael Nutter will be on duty as Parade Marshal for the City of Preston.Former Scots Guards Warrant Officer Michael Nutter will be on duty as Parade Marshal for the City of Preston.
Former Scots Guards Warrant Officer Michael Nutter will be on duty as Parade Marshal for the City of Preston.

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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“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.”

One of the many street parties in Preston on VJ Day in 1945 - this one was in Maitland Street and Delaware Street.One of the many street parties in Preston on VJ Day in 1945 - this one was in Maitland Street and Delaware Street.
One of the many street parties in Preston on VJ Day in 1945 - this one was in Maitland Street and Delaware Street.

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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“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.”

Related topics:PrestonEurope

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