King Charles Honors WWII Veterans in Powerful VJ Day Address Marking 80th Anniversary
His Majesty King Charles III delivered a deeply moving tribute to Second World War veterans today, marking the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day with a poignant audio message that honored those who served in the Pacific theater.
Speaking on the historic anniversary, the King reflected on his grandfather King George VI's original VJ Day broadcast, when the wartime monarch declared to a battle-weary world that "the war is over" after six years of global conflict. The current monarch's address carried forward that spirit of remembrance while acknowledging the immense sacrifices made by Allied forces.
"In recalling so much suffering, we must not lose sight of how great was the cause and how sweet the victory," the King stated in his message. "For those heroes of V.J. Day gave us more than freedom; they left us the example of how it can and must be protected."
Personal Connection to History
The King's address revealed intimate family connections to the Pacific campaign, referencing lessons learned from his great-uncle Lord Mountbatten, who commanded over one million Allied personnel from various nations in Southeast Asia. His Majesty spoke with particular reverence for what some called "the Forgotten Army," emphasizing his role as Patron of the Burma Star Memorial Fund and his commitment to ensuring these veterans are never forgotten.
The monarch paid special tribute to the 29 Victoria Cross recipients from the campaign, while acknowledging the mental and physical scars borne by survivors. He also honored Allied pilots who flew dangerous missions through monsoon-lashed jungles, prisoners of war who endured brutal captivity, and civilian populations who suffered under occupation.
Contemporary Relevance
Demonstrating the ongoing relevance of wartime lessons, the King drew parallels between past and present conflicts, noting that "war's true cost extends beyond battlefields, touching every aspect of life – a tragedy all-too vividly demonstrated by conflicts around the world today."
He emphasized that the greatest strength came not from weapons, but from international cooperation: "Together they proved that, in times of war and in times of peace, the greatest weapons of all are not the arms you bear, but the arms you link."
Royal Family Commemorations
The King and Queen participated in multiple commemorative events throughout the day, attending the Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum hosted by the Royal British Legion. The service concluded with a flypast by the RAF Red Arrows and featured historic aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Following the ceremony, Their Majesties met with representatives from various veteran organizations, including the Burma Star Memorial Fund and the Far East Prisoners of War association, at a special reception attended by approximately 30 veterans and their families.
Other members of the Royal Family marked the occasion across the United Kingdom. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attended services in Scotland, while the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester participated in commemorative events in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Looking Forward
The King concluded his address with the famous Kohima epitaph: "When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say, For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today," emphasizing the eternal nature of the veterans' legacy and the responsibility of current generations to guard the values they defended.
The royal commemorations will continue with a reception for veterans at Windsor Castle later this autumn, ensuring the 80th anniversary milestone receives the recognition these servicemen and women deserve.
As the number of surviving WWII veterans continues to dwindle, the King's message serves as both a tribute to their service and a call to future generations to remember their sacrifice and protect the freedoms they secured.
