Commemorative VJ 80 flags raised in Causeway Coast and Glens to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II

The Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens has joined fellow Elected Members to mark VJ Day, on this the 80th anniversary.

As part of this, Deputy Mayor Alderman Richard Stewart joined Veterans’ Champion Councillor Dawn Huggins and Chair of the Celebration & Commemoration Sub-Committee Alderman Michelle Knight-McQuillan to showcase the commemorative flags that will be placed in four key locations throughout the Borough this August.

Both Coleraine & Ballymoney Town Hall, Council’s Connell Street offices in Limavady and Riada House offices in Ballymoney will fly the special commemorative flags, marking what was a poignant day in history. Council’s Civic Headquarters, Cloonavin will also light up white to mark VJ Day 80.

In addition, Councils Museums Service will continue to welcome visitors to their free exhibition ‘Cheers and Tears’ which includes information on both VE Day and VJ Day and tells the stories of the people from Causeway Coast and Glens who were there in 1945 as events unfolded.

Highlights include the story of submariner Sir Arthur Hezlet from Aghadowey and visitors can learn more about the role he played in the Pacific theatre of conflict between Allied Forces and Japan.

Deputy Mayor Alderman Richard Stewart said: “VJ Day 80 is an important day for us all to take time to remember, and I am pleased that Council will mark the day in several locations within the Borough.

“On these occasions we should be grateful to those who fought for our futures, with no thought for their own safety. We should also reflect on the events of 80 years ago with a sense of pride in the brave people who fought and remember those who lost their lives to secure our futures.

“I would like to thank Councils Museums Team for bringing the poignant stories of those who lived the events of 1945 to life in their Cheers and Tears Exhibition, and I would encourage you to come along to see it in Coleraine Town Hall.”

The Deputy Mayor and Elected Members will join Coleraine British Legion for two minutes silence at Coleraine War Memorial at 12:00pm on Friday 15th August to commemorate VJ Day.

Later this week the Deputy Mayor and Elected Members will join a local branch of The Royal British Legion to commemorate the end of the Second World War on the 15th August 1945. The service will take place on Sunday 17th August in Aghadowey at St Guaire’s Parish Church at 3pm, invited guests will then make their way to the War Memorial for a short RBL Wreath Laying ceremony.

Veterans’ Champion Councillor Dawn Huggins added: “We all remain thankful to those who fought during the World Wars, and on this the 80^th year since the end of World War II I am honoured to mark VJ Day 80 within the Borough.

“I too would encourage members of the public to visit the Coleraine Town Hall ‘Cheers and Tears’ exhibition to hear the stories of the brave men and women from our Borough who helped win the war.”

The free exhibition, presented by Councils Museums Service ‘Cheers and Tears’ will be available for members of the public to visit in Coleraine Town Hall until the end of August 2025.