Various kinds of commemorations were held around the UK on
Sunday to mark VJ Day, when Japan's surrender brought an end to the
Second World War.
The largest event, the Festival of Flight re-enacting the sights
and sounds of the 1940s Britain, was staged at Blenheim Palace in
Oxfordshire with thousands attending.
Among the attractions were a four-hour air display by 40 planes
including the Sally B Flying Fortress and the Red Arrows.
Musicians, dancers, singers, classic car and military vehicle
enthusiasts also entertained the crowds.
As dusk fell the John Miller Orchestra performed a swing
concert.
The weapons were carried on board American B-29 bombers,
developed from the B-17 Flying Fortresses which flew missions over
Europe.
The only working example of a B-17 in Britain, known as Sally B,
was the centerpiece of the afternoon air show at Blenheim.
Lord Blandford, one of the festival organizers, said the event
possessed "so many dimensions from this time of great turmoil in
our history and it's fitting that it takes place at the birthplace
of Winston Churchill."
Commenting on the Britons who served their country during the
war, he added: "In this VJ Day 60th anniversary year every
opportunity must be taken to acknowledge their contribution."
The VJ Day -- which is on Monday -- marks the day when Japan
surrendered to the Allies on August 15, 1945, days after the cities
of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were destroyed by atomic bombs.
Elsewhere in the UK, services and events were held to honor
British veterans of the Far East campaign.
Thousands of people gathered in Glasgow for the Last Parade,
organized by the Royal British Legion Scotland.
Musicians, schoolchildren, servicemen and ex-servicemen marched
from Blythswood Square to George Square for a service on
Sunday.
First Minister Jack McConnell and Glasgow's Lord Provost
Elizabeth Cameron were among those who attended.
Elsewhere in Scotland, a Nimrod from RAF Kinloss was flown over
the Kinnaird Lighthouse car park at Fraserburgh, and later flew
past Wick airport.
In Wales, the Gwent branch of the Royal British Legion hosted an
afternoon drumhead service at Tredegar House in Newport.
Claire Williams, the legion's county field officer for mid and
south Wales said: "This is the legion's way of reminding those
veterans, and the community at large, that we acknowledge their
heroism."
Members of Cardiff's Burma Star Association also met at St
John's Church in the city center where a window is dedicated to the
Far East campaigns.
Sunday's events follow similar commemorations held around the
world to mark Victory in Europe Day -- proclaimed on May 8,
1945.
(Xinhua News Agency August 15, 2005)