THE town centre of Wellington fell silent at noon on Friday (August 15) as a national two-minute silence was observed for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.

Wellington Mayor Cllr Janet Lloyd and town crier Andrew Norris led the proceedings standing in the town centre crossroads while police stopped traffic.

Mr Norris read a VJ Day proclamation before the 12 noon silence requested by King Charles of all communities across the nation.

Wellington town crier Andrew Norris reads the VJ Day proclamation accompanied by the mayor Cllr Janet Lloyd.
Wellington town crier Andrew Norris reads the VJ Day proclamation accompanied by the mayor Cllr Janet Lloyd. (Tindle News)

VJ Day marks the anniversary of Japan announcing its surrender in 1945 to the Allied forces, and comes three months after VE Day commemorating the war’s end in Europe.

The occasion was attended by town councillors, veterans, and members of the Royal British Legion and many other Wellington residents.

The town council is also holding a VJ Day event in Wellington Park from 7 pm to 10 pm with a beacon lighting ceremony at 9.15 pm.

The event will feature Wellington Silver Band and wartime songs and will follow the lines of a similar event held for the VE Day 80th anniversary in May.