To commemorate 75 years since Victory in Japan day, BBC One will broadcast two special programmes on Saturday July 15th to remember those who served in the Far East.

Both are produced by the BBC Studios Events team and commissioned by Carla-Maria Lawson for the BBC.

VJ Day 75: The Nation Remembers (BBC One 09:30-11:30) will come live from the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, where the remembrance commemoration is taking place. In the studio, Sophie Raworth will hear from guests who will be discussing the significance of this anniversary and from veterans who remember leaving home for an unknown country and an unknown enemy and how it feels to be known as the ‘forgotten army.’ Dan Snow will speak to those preparing to participate in the morning’s commemoration, many of whom will have personal links to VJ Day. Fergal Keane will provide commentary of the event, and a national two minutes silence will be led by HRH The Prince of Wales.

The commemorations will close with VJ Day 75: The Nation’s Tribute (BBC One 20:30-22:00) from Horse Guards Parade in London where a unique evening event will tell the story of all those that served in the Far East. Narrated by Joanna Lumley, whose father was an officer with the 6th Gurkha Rifles, the event will chart the crucial campaign that led to the end of the Second World War. Key moments of the conflicts will be reflected through readings and musical performances. Sheridan Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Paterson Joseph and Martin Shaw will bring to life well-known and influential figures of the Second World War. HRH The Duke of Cambridge will pay tribute to the veterans and acknowledge the sacrifices made by so many for our freedom.

Charlotte Moore, Director BBC Content says: “The 75th anniversary of VJ Day is an opportunity to unify the nation in remembrance and to reflect on the peace that victory enabled.  It’s fitting that the BBC will bring audiences together for this anniversary of such national significance, which will have a new resonance as we begin to emerge from lockdown.”

Claire Popplewell, Senior Creative Director for BBC Studios Events commented: “BBC Studios Events has a long and proud history of creating and televising events to mark the most important moments in Britain’s shared history. The 75th anniversary will be a particularly poignant moment in that story and it’s a privilege to be producing two very special programmes that pay such a deserved tribute to the bravery of those who brought about the end of the Second World War.”

VJ Day 75:  The Nation Remembers 

Producers:  Seren Irvine, Victoria Simpson

Executive Producer:  Sangeeta Bhaskar

Creative Director:  Claire Popplewell

VJ Day 75:  The Nation’s Tribute

Series Producer:  Rosheen Archer   

Executive Producer:  Kate Shiers

Creative Director:  Claire Popplewell

Jon Creamer

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