King Charles III praised the “courage” of veterans and civilians who paid a high price for the end of World War II, leading the UK’s commemorations on the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), AFP reported. In an audio message to the nation, he noted that current conflicts around the world remind us that “the true cost of war goes beyond the battlefields and affects every aspect of life.”

World War II veterans “have shown that in peace and in war, the strongest weapon is not the ammunition we carry, but the hands we join together.” The celebrations began with a national two-minute silence at 12:00 p.m., and the program included flypasts by the Red Arrows and Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft from the war era.

In his six-minute address, Charles promised that the “service and sacrifice” of those who “witnessed the forces of freedom prevail” will never be forgotten. “The courage and camaraderie displayed in humanity’s darkest hour are a flame that will burn forever—a beacon that honors the past and guides our future,” he added, urging everyone to be “vigilant guardians of the values they bequeathed to us.”

King Charles also highlighted the devastation caused by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which led to Japan’s surrender eight decades ago. “On this momentous anniversary, we must also acknowledge the immense price paid by the citizens of Hiroshima and Nagasaki—a price we pray no nation will ever pay again,” he said.

In Japan, Emperor Naruhito expressed his “deep remorse” on the anniversary, while tens of thousands of people visited the controversial Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, which honors 2.5 million Japanese soldiers who died since the late 19th century, including convicted war criminals.

The UK also marked the event with a reception for veterans at Downing Street, hosted by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He noted that he had also received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasizing that the Ukrainian leader “is fighting for the same values we fought for.” “Our country owes a great debt to those who fought for a better future so that today we can enjoy freedom and life,” Starmer added. |BGNES