VJ Day: 80 years

A very special, moving and historic day, accompanying Mum as one of the 5 invited veterans, and the only woman, to the Scottish Commemoration for the 80th anniversary of VJ day at the National War Memorial in the Castle attended by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Though there was nearly a disaster as I forgot my phone but a taxi detour solved that and I managed to capture the events, including our VIP lanyards.

It was a very fitting service for the 'forgotten army'.  Video memories from 3 veterans who had served in that campaign: in China, on the Burma Railway and as a POW in Changi, and in 'special ops'.  Some harrowing stories about ill treatment and torture..  And there was live testimony: from a woman born in Changi who spent 3 years in camps in Singapore with her mother, a man whose father was captured aircrew who was tortured and witnessed things that gave him long lasting PTSD and the daughter of Eric Lomax, the Railway Man, who shared letters between the family and the Japanese interpreter who was there when he was tortured  and showed the film of their meeting which led to forgiveness and healing.  Tears were shed by many, including the Duchess. I was thinking of my friend's uncle who never recovered from his time on the Burma Railway, my English teacher who also suffered and my daughter in law's oldest maternal aunt who was born during the Japanese occupation of Malaya, a time when those of Chinese heritage were not treated well by the occupying forces. 

Karen led the service as at The VE Day concert and I managed a chat with Neil who appeared to be 'wrangling' the Royals.  At the end there was a private chat with Edward and Sophie, who were absolutely charming with both talking to everyone.  Clearly well practised at this. Sophie was glad to know the system worked and that Mum had got her card from the King and Queen.  After, Mum was given the flowers Sophie laid on the Memorial as they couldn't be left for fear of marking the ground.  She was vey pleased and loved meeting not only Edward and Sophie but also folk she'd met at the VE Concert and , of course, there were more media interviews.

Due to confusion/delays with HES transport we'd spent a while waiting on the Esplanade at the start and there was a longer wait at the end as we couldn't move until after the One o' Clock Gun fired and then we had to wait for replacement taxis as the original ones had come and gone.  it was nearly 3 before we got back, a very late lunch.

I got home, exhausted, about 4 and finally succumbed and had a lie down for 90 minutes (had had another night of little sleep last night due to the heat).  The Royals are at the Tattoo tonight.  We're going next Friday as guests of the Secretary of State for Scotland.  This centenary year has been amazing for Mum.

80 years ago today my Dad was in Greece, celebrating VJ Day in rhe Signals billet (extra).