Today marks 80 years since the Japanese surrendered and World War Two officially ended. It's known as Victory over Japan Day - or VJ Day for short - and is marked every year on 15 August
After days of rumours about the capitulation of the Japanese forces, US President Harry Truman announced that Tokyo had accepted the terms of surrender at 19:00 ET on 14 August.
The following day, Japan's Emperor Hirohito spoke on the radio for the first time ever to announce the surrender.
Fighting in the Asia-Pacific took place from Hawaii to North East India. Britain and the Commonwealth’s principle fighting force, the Fourteenth Army, was one of the most diverse in history – more than 40 languages were spoken, and all the world’s major religions represented.
The descendants of many of the Commonwealth veterans of that army are today part of multicultural communities around the world, a lasting legacy to the success and comradeship of those who fought in the Asia-Pacific.
The war formally concluded on 2 September.
Their Majesties The King and Queen will lead the nation in commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire today
Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the national two-minute silence at midday today.
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