Kirtlington

Kirtlington in the heart of Oxfordshire

VJ Day Commemoration Events 14, 15 and 17th August

Please join us if you can.

EVENT 1 – VJ Celebration & Remembrance (Thursday, 14 August 2025, 19:30, Oxford Arms):

  • The Kirtlington Royal British Legion will host an 80th anniversary event at the Oxford Arms to honour those from the village who served in the Far East during the Second World War. The evening will include stories about local individuals impacted by the conflict and musical pipe performances. Click for more details…

EVENT 2 – VJ Day Commemoration (Friday, 15 August 2025, 10:45, Village Memorial):

  • A short memorial service at the village memorial, including a moment of silence, to mark the end of the Second World War in the Far East and reflect on the legacy and sacrifice of VJ Day. Click for more details…

EVENT 3 – VJ Kirtlington Bring & Share Tea (Sunday, 17 August 2025, 16:30, Church):

  • A community tea event where guests are invited to bring a treat to share, enjoy songs from the wartime era, and hear famous speeches, all in the spirit of remembrance and togetherness. Click for more details…

1. VJ Celebration & Remembrance on the Eve of the 80th Anniversary – 14th August

Image from the Royal British Legion website www.britishlegion.org.uk

Commemorate the End of the Second World War.

Join us as we honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the Far East and remember the lasting impact of VJ Day.

  • Date: Thursday, 14th August 2025
  • Time: 19:30
  • Venue: Oxford Arms, Kirtlington
  • The event will run for an hour or so

You do not need to book, just turn up.

Food and drink are available at normal prices, and if you want food, please book a table by phoning the Oxford Arms on: Tel: 01869 350208

Act of Remembrance

Amidst the hope that blossomed with VE Day, the war in the Far East pressed on—soldiers endured harsh jungles, relentless rain, and unseen enemies. For many, peace finally arrived only when the conflict ended on VJ Day. Allied Prisoners of War, scattered across distant lands, were liberated at last. Their resilience and stories remind us: every conflict leaves its mark.

Let us gather as a community to remember those from our village and beyond who displayed such bravery. We will:

  • Share in their stories accompanied by the stirring notes of the pipes
  • Reflect on their sacrifices
  • Honour their memory, 80 years on

2. VJ Day Commemoration – 15th August

A Community Gathering of Remembrance and Gratitude

As summer draws to a close, we turn our thoughts to a pivotal moment in history—Victory over Japan Day, or VJ Day. On the 15th of August, we come together to remember the end of the Second World War in the Far East. This date not only marks the conclusion of a long and hard-fought conflict but also honours the courage, endurance, and sacrifices of all who served and suffered during those challenging years.

In the spirit of remembrance and gratitude, we invite all members of Kirtlington village available to join us in a short memorial service;

  • 10.45am 15th August
  • At the village War Memorial
  • It will last about 10 minutes

We will have a moment of silence to reflect on the enduring legacy of VJ Day.

We look forward to seeing you at the memorial and sharing in this moment of collective remembrance and gratitude.

3. Join Us for a Special Kirtlington Bring & Share Tea, Sunday 17 Aug — Marking VJ Day

You’re warmly invited to our Bring & Share Tea at the church on Sunday, 17th August at 4:30pm. As well as being a chance to gather as a community, this occasion is held in honour of VJ Day, when we remember the end of the Second World War in the Far East and reflect on the sacrifices and celebrations that accompanied it.

We’ll provide tea and squash—just bring along a treat to share! It’s not just about the food—we’ll be singing a selection of Vera Lynn’s beloved wartime songs, with stirring moments from Churchill’s most famous speeches (yes, in his iconic voice!).

Trevor will play “Jerusalem” and, to close, the hymn that means so much to so many of us: “O God our help in ages past.”

Let’s make this a heartwarming afternoon of song, memory, and community—honouring VJ Day together. Feel free to invite your neighbours and family—everyone’s welcome!

We Look forward to seeing you there

KIRTLINGTON ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

If you are interested in joining as a member of the Kirtlington Branch, please talk to one of the members on the day, or visit the Royal British Legion website members page https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get involved/membership/become-a-member and select Kirtlington as your branch. Please note there is no need to have served in the armed forces to become a member of the Royal British Legion.