A moving tribute in Staffordshire

On August 15, 2025, King Charles III and Queen Camilla joined veterans at the National Memorial Arboretum to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day. The service, attended by some 33 men who had fought in the Far East and Pacific, honored the sacrifices of those who endured the war’s final chapter.

The ceremony featured wreath-laying by the royal couple, a nationwide two-minute silence, and a dramatic flypast by the RAF Red Arrows. Veterans also shared personal testimonies of survival, loss, and resilience.

An emotional exchange

One of the most touching moments came when 105-year-old veteran Yavar Abbas stepped forward to salute the King. Departing from his prepared remarks, he praised Charles for attending the event despite ongoing cancer treatment.

“I wish to salute my brave King, who is here with his beloved Queen in spite of the fact that he is under treatment for cancer,” Abbas said. His words visibly moved the royal couple, with Camilla seen wiping away tears. The veteran then revealed he had overcome cancer himself 25 years earlier, hoping his story would offer the monarch comfort.

Honoring the ‘Forgotten Army’

Earlier in the day, the King released a special message paying tribute to the estimated 71,000 soldiers from the UK and Commonwealth who died in the Far East. He acknowledged the psychological and physical scars carried by survivors and highlighted the troops under General William Slim, often referred to as “the forgotten army.”

Charles assured them that their sacrifices “shall never be forgotten,” adding that their courage remains an enduring inspiration for future generations.

Following the service, the King and Queen met veterans and their families at a reception, bringing the day’s commemoration to a close.