VJ Day 75

It was a very busy few days in the run up to the 75th Anniversary of VJ Day on Saturday. VJ Day marked the victory over Japan on 15th August 1945 and signified the end of WW2.

There were events held across the County, which the Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Miranda Gordon, DL, took part in.

Due to COVID19, all events were undertaken in accordance with social distancing requirements and many were held virtually, with wreath laying and speeches recorded in advance. Please see below to watch the video compiled by Mid & East Antrim Borough Council, which includes the Lord-Lieutenant laying a wreath in Carrickfergus and delivering a speech about VJ Day.

​The Lieutenancy would like to thank Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and Mid & East Antrim Borough Council for organising so many events across the County to mark this poignant anniversary. It was fantastic to see the Councils continue to embrace modern technology by providing virtual events so people could take part, even if they were unable to attend. 

The Lieutenancy took part in the following VJ Day events:

• The Lord-Lieutenant took part in a beacon lighting ceremony in Antrim and delivered a pre-recorded speech for Antrim & Newtownabbey Council. 
• The Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Miranda Gordon, DL, simultaneously took part in a beacon lighting ceremony in Newtownabbey.
• The Lord-Lieutenant also joined the Mayor of Antrim & Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery, to open a special VJ Day exhibition at the Old Courthouse, Antrim.
• The Lord-Lieutenant laid wreaths at ceremonies in both Antrim and Glengormley, which was attended by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor and the High Sheriff of County Antrim, Mr Rupert Cramise.
• The Lord-Lieutenant took part in a beacon lighting ceremony in Lisburn and was joined by the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor the Hon Nicholas Trimble, and the High Sheriff of County Antrim, Mr Rupert Cramsie.
• The Lord-Lieutenant also took part in the virtual events (see video above), which included joining the Mayor of Mid & East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston,  and the Deputy Mayor.

For further information on the events held by the respective Councils, please click on the links below:

• Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council
• Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council 
• Mid & East Antrim Borough Council