2025 marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War, which changed the course of history. The generation who lived through it commenced the rebuilding of an exhausted country in the post war years.
It is important that we continue to find ways to share and reflect on these experiences and mark the contribution and personal sacrifices that our veterans and armed forces made to defend our safety and security.
To mark this significant anniversary, a VJ80 Parade will take place in Dumfries Town Centre on Saturday 16 August 2025 from 10.30am to 12.30pm with representatives of our retired and serving armed forces personnel, members of our local cadet units, and other uniformed organisations taking part.
The parade will be led by members of the Dumfries and Annan Town Bands and will include a display of John Webster Vintage Army Vehicles, the Royal British Legions Scotland (RBLS) Riders Branch and Standard Bearers from RBLS Branches. The Provost of Dumfries, Councillor Tracey Little, will deliver the welcome and the councils’ Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Archie Dryburgh MBE will act as Master of Ceremonies.
His Majesty’s Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Dumfries, Mr Gordon Dickie will address the Parade. Wreaths will be laid by His Majesty’s Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Dumfries, Mr Gordon Dickie; His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for The Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, The Lord Sinclair; and His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Wigtown, Mrs Aileen Brewis.
There are several community-led commemorative events are taking place across our region on Friday 15 August 2025 as follows:
- Annan War Memorial at 10.50am.
- Castle Douglas outside Royal British Legion Rooms, Market Hill at 11.00am.
- Dalbeattie War Memorial, Colliston Park at 6.30pm.
- Dumfries War Memorial, St John’s Church at 11am.
- Langholm War Memorial at 10.45am.
- Lochmaben War Memorial at 11.00am.
- Moffat Town Hall at 11am.
- Newton Stewart War Memorial, Dashwood Square at 1.30pm.
- Sanquhar War Memorial at 11am.
- Stranraer, Castle Green at 11am.
Dumfries and Galloway Council Convener, Councillor Katie Hagmann, said:
“Our council is proud to share our plans to mark the 80th Anniversary of VJ Day. This is an event to bring people and communities together, united in their support for our veterans and armed forces. It is important that we continue to find ways to come together, to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms in pursuit of peace and, ultimately it is to remember the many thousands of men and women who served in the Second World War.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Archie Dryburgh MBE, said:
“As the 80th Anniversary of the VJ Day approaches, our council is preparing to honour the occasion. We hope that many people will be able to support us on the day in commemorating the sacrifices that were made by so many of our comrades then, and in recognition of the continued active service of every soldier, sailor and aviator, and their families, who form part of our invaluable armed forces today.”