Marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day

VJ Day, on 15 August, is a moment to remember and honour the millions who served, sacrificed and suffered in the Second World War, whose lives were forever changed.

2025 marks 80 years since that momentous day. In a world where conflict and division still cause deep suffering, this anniversary invites churches and communities to pray, remember, and seek peace.

How to mark the day

• Attend a service
  Services will be held across the diocese – you can find your nearest one on the A Church Near You website. Enter your location and on the next page, you can search for local churches with services tagged ’80th anniversary of VJ Day’. Church leader? Find information on prayer and liturgical resources below.

• Two-minute silence
  Join the national two-minute silence at 12 noon on 15 August.

• Light a candle
  Light a virtual candle to remember loved ones who fought in the war.

• Attend a local event
  Search online for a local event – from street parties to school engagements.

• Share your letters to loved ones
  Do you have letters or postcards sent by your family members during the Second World War to their loved ones? In partnership with Imperial War Museums, the Government are asking people across the UK to share their stories on the Letters to Loved Ones gallery.

Resources for churches and communities

A suite of resources has been compiled by the Church of England and UK Government to support local commemorations. 

• A Church Near You
  A VJ Day tag is available to add to special services on your church’s ACNY page. There are also some graphics available in the Resource Hub on the theme of Praying for the Peace of the World. Not sure how it works? The Editors’ Help Centre has the answer.
• Liturgical resources
  Download an outline service from the Church of England.
• Prayers
  Find a selection of prayers for the day from the Church of England – including a prayer for those who died in the Second World War, those serving today, and for peace for the world.
• Event guidance and grants
  Guides on hosting local events, and information on some funding opportunities, from the UK Government.

A prayer for VJ Day, for the peace of the world

O God, who would fold both heaven and earth 
in a single peace;
that the design of your great love lighten 
upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows
and give peace to your church, peace among nations, 
peace in our dwellings and peace in our hearts; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.