VJ Day: Dozens gather in Oldbury for moving service
[gallery] Dozens of people gathered under blue skies this morning to remember the fallen and mark 70 years since the end of the Second World War.
The VJ Day commemorations were held at Oldbury Civic Square, with members of the public, veterans, cadets, and serving members of the forces in attendance.
Standard bearers fanned out around the cenotaph as veterans and invited guests made their way to the service, which was led by Reverend Nick Pelling.
Sandwell Mayor Councillor Barbara Price and Burma veteran Arthur Henry Bowker, of West Bromwich, placed a wreath at the cenotaph during the ceremony on behalf of the Burma Star Association.
Event manager Tony Potter said the last time the service had been held was 10 years ago to mark the 60th anniversary of VJ Day.
He said of the importance of the occasion: "To remember the fallen, to remember the people who sacrificed their lives, and hopefully to make sure it never happens again."
