As Britain marks the 78th anniversary of VJ Day, 98-year-old veteran Reg Draper reflects on the emotional moment Japan surrendered, bringing the Second World War to an end.
Draper, who served in the Royal Navy, vividly recalls the relief and jubilation that swept across the nation on 15 August 1945. "It was a day of pure joy," he said. "After years of hardship, we finally knew peace was coming."
The Long Road to Victory
VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) followed months of intense fighting in the Pacific, culminating in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. For Draper and his comrades, it signalled the end of a brutal conflict that had claimed millions of lives.
"We’d already celebrated VE Day in May, but the war wasn’t truly over until Japan surrendered," Draper explained. "The fighting in the Far East was some of the toughest, and many never made it home."
A Nation Remembers
Today, ceremonies across the UK honour the sacrifices of those who served in the Far East campaign. From solemn memorial services to community gatherings, the nation pays tribute to the courage and resilience of its veterans.
Draper, now one of the few remaining survivors, hopes younger generations will never forget the lessons of history. "Freedom came at a great cost," he said. "We must remember those who gave everything."
As the years pass, stories like Draper’s become ever more precious, ensuring the legacy of VJ Day endures for future generations.
