VJ Day 80: late veteran's family represented as community pays tribute at Portadown War Memorial
The 80th anniversary of VJ Day was marked with a well-attended commemoration and remembrance event at Portadown War Memorial.
Organised by Portadown Branch of the Royal British Legion, it was held at 11am on Friday, August 15.
ABC Council was represented by Councillor Levelle McIlwrath and colleagues with many members of the family of the late Chief Petty Officer Jim MacLeod, who served in the war against Japan, veterans and people from the local community also present.
After a welcome by the Branch Chairman, John Robinson, the Branch President, Philip Morrison gave an address about the horror of the war in the Far East highlighting the contribution made by Portadown man Jim MacLeod.
After prayers by the Branch Chaplain, the Reverend Geoffrey Walmsley; the Act of Remembrance to commemorate the ending of the war against Japan and to remember the sacrifices made by many Portadown and surrounding area service men, who gave their lives or survived action in the Far East, was held.
In a statement, the RBL added: “The war in the Far East was a terrible war in which many local service men from all the services, Navy, Army and Air Force were involved and which went on several months after victory in Europe and whose sacrifice must never be forgotten.
“The event was very well supported and was much welcomed. We will remember them.”