Isle of Man falls silent to mark VJ Day 80 years on

15 August 2025

Rebecca BrahdeBBC News, Isle of Man

News image — Communities across the Isle of Man fell silent to mark the anniversary

Douglas City Council/Matt Mosur A wide photograph of about 40 people standing in a public garden: two people hold flags, a man stands by a lectern. In the foreground, to the right, an elderly man sits on a mobility aid, he wears a cap and holds a walking stick. — Communities across the Isle of Man fell silent to mark the anniversary

The Isle of Man has fallen silent to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.

Victory over Japan Day is commemorated on 15 August each year, and marks the date in 1945 when the Japanese Emperor surrendered to the Allied forces.

Across the UK a two-minute silence was observed at 12:00 BST to remember those who lost their lives in East Asia and the Pacific.

The national silence was preceded by a short service, including the laying of a wreath by Chief Minister Alfred Cannan, at the National War Memorial in St John's.

Alfred Cannan wears a blue suit with one medal, he holds a wreath and bows his head. He stands next to an older woman on crutches who holds a bunch of poppies. About a dozen other people stand nearby with their heads down. There is a church in the background. — Alfred Cannan was among those who attended a service in St John's

A red wreath made up of paper poppies rests on a concrete step. It has a note attached to the top. In the centre you can see the Manx crest. A bunch of poppies has been laid next to it. — The chief minister laid a wreath on behalf of the Isle of Man Government

Other services also took place across the island to mark the anniversary and pay tribute to those who died.

An estimated 71,000 soldiers from the UK and the Commonwealth died fighting Japan, including upwards of 12,000 prisoners of war.

In Douglas, a short ceremony was held at Hilary Park which included laying a wreath, a performance of The Last Post, and a one-minute silence.

Speaking during the service Mayor Steven Crellin said VJ Day was "not only about remembering the end of the war in Japan", it was "about honouring those who made it possible".

"The soldiers who fought far from home. The women who kept the country running in factories, on farms, and in hospitals.

"The children evacuated to the countryside. The camps which housed tens of thousands of internees.

"And the families who bore the weight of worry every single day. We remember them with gratitude, not just in silence or ceremony."

Douglas City Council/Matt Mosur Men wearing smart jackets with war medals attached and berets stand in a row. Some hold wreaths made of paper poppies. A woman in a blue shirt and dark trousers stands next to them. They face the Mayor, who is reading a speech at a lectern. He wears a large gold chain draped across his shoulders. Two people holding flags upright can also be seen in the foreground. — Ex-servicemen were among those who attended a service in Douglas

Five red wreaths have been placed at the bottom of a stone memorial. The plaque reads: 1945 - commemorating the end of the second world war in Europe and the Far East fifty years on. Lest we forget. Douglas Corporation. 1995 — Wreaths were laid at a permanent memorial in Hilary Park in the Manx capital

The Royal British Legion's Onchan branch also hosted a wreath-laying ceremony at the Onchan War Memorial from 10:45 until 11:15.

The Tower of Refuge, the Legislative Buildings and Ramsey Swing Bridge will be lit up red, in tribute, from dusk.

The illuminations will follow bells being rung at St George's Church in Douglas to recreate the ringing that took place across Britain as people took to the streets to celebrate the end of the conflict.

Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.