Syston Commemorates VJ Day 80 Years on
On Friday 15th August a short service was held at the Royal British Legion Memorial outside St Peter and St Paul’s church led by Rev’d Ros Harper.
Members of the public were joined by Syston Royal British Legion (RBL), Edward Argar MP, CCllr Simon Bradshaw, Sophie Brown from Syston Town Council and relatives of the conflict in the Far East.
Wreaths were laid by Mavis Denham for the Royal Navy, Jane Matthews in memory of her father, Joan Weston in memory of her and her sister Felicity Austin’s father and John Collis MBE on behalf of Syston’s RBL.
A two minute silence was held with the last post played by Steve from G E Gambles. Noel Evatt standard bearer for Syston RBL lowered the standard and all became silent. Before Reveille signalled the end of the silence.
It was a very poignant service and everyone there took time to remember all those you gave their tomorrow for our today.
Our photographs show the service and then the wreaths afterwards.
Most people then entered the church to visit the exhibition assembled by Felicity Austin. Some of the local information was gained via the Stn and provided some real first hand details of what those brave men endured to help bring the end of the World War II conflict.
Thank you to everyone who gave their relatives information. It is important to remember this aspect of World War II. See more on page 12.
You can see close ups of the individual boards and more images on our website.
Beacon Lighting
In the evening the Syston Town Council had organised the lighting of the peace lamp and a beacon to mark the VJ Day commemorations.
Cllr Satish Visivadia vice chairman of Syston Town Council led the evening with lighting the lamp of Peace first at 9.15pm and then after the beacon was lit by Cllr Ian Haynes, read out the declaration.
We were all led in singing I vow to thee my Country by Rachel Barlow-Skinner.
Afterwards some residents retired to the community centre for some light refreshments.
Thank you to Sophie Brown and Neil Skinner and Syston Town Council for organising the evening.
