VJ Day 80 commemoration

Silence…broken only by the sound of the Priory’s clock chiming noon… a poignant tolling to those assembled to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, the end of the Second World War.

A simple service of prayer and reflection, of hymns sung with conviction and of silence marked the end of what was once known as the ‘forgotten war’. Those who participated in the war and returned may not have spoken of what they saw and experienced, but they and those who fell are not forgotten. Thirty-five names of those who served in the Pacific and SE Asian theatres of the Second World War , known to members of the Priory were read from the steps of the altar.

Three wreaths - not the poppy wreaths of Remembrance Sunday, but instead more exuberant flowers suggesting the tropical climes where the war was fought - were laid by representatives of the Priory and The Friends of Malvern Priory at the base of the altar. Then the perfectly-timed silence, joining with millions across the nation A period of reflection, of prayer, of the desire of all for peace. Peace now. Everywhere.

The National Anthem, a blessing, and the organ voluntary, Elgar’s Nimrod left many pensive and moved by the sacrifice of those who went before.

They will not grow old as we who are left grow old: Age will not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.

The wreaths will be moved to the War Memorial in the south aisle from Saturday 16th August.