The brass band movement has been asked to help mark the anniversary of the end of the Second World War in the Pacific theatre of conflict later this year.

Last Post

VJ Day (Victory over Japan) was marked on 15th August 1945. Its 75th anniversary is being commemorated this year by the sounding of the 'Last Post' following two minutes of silence at 11.00am.

Later the same day at 8.18pm, a reveille will be performed by buglers, trumpet and cornet players as the finale to the occasion.

VE Day Pageant Master Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR, has contacted Brass Bands England to ask if cornet players from brass bands across the nation will join the occasion as a further mark of respect to those who made the sacrifice to fight in many different ways to end the conflict.

Thank you

In his request he stated: "2020 and the 75th anniversary is likely to be the last time that we could say our collective, special 'thank you' to the surviving veterans of this bloody conflict as their numbers fade to quickly.

As we know, the brave veterans from this campaign always feel they are the 'forgotten army' during these important anniversary celebrations over the last 75 years.

So, with this in mind, and to show they will never be forgotten, I humbly call upon you all to help us commemorate those many, many thousands of brave souls who were still engaged on the Pacific Front 75 years ago."

Social distancing

Bearing in mind social distancing requirements it is hoped that players silence at 11.00am on 15th August, by playing the 'Last Post', followed by 'Reveille', and later in the day, the playing of 'Sunset' at 8.20pm.

In response to the request, BBE CEO Kenneth Crookston said: "Brass bands have been at the heart of many towns and villages throughout the UK for over 150 years and have played important roles in conflicts worldwide during that time.

Brass Bands England is therefore proud to support this important project and we would like to encourage as many of our members as possible to make an appropriate contribution to their communities on the 75th anniversary of VJ Day."

to show they will never be forgotten, I humbly call upon you all to help us commemorate those many, many thousands of brave souls who were still engaged on the Pacific Front 75 years agoVE Day Pageant Master Bruno Peek

Take part

If you wish to take part, please provide the following information, emailing it to brunopeek@mac.com no later than 7th August 2020:
Name of Bugler, Trumpeter, Cornet Player: Name of Band: Email Address: Telephone number- (this is optional):

In reference to where you are playing Last Post & Reveille at 11.00am followed by Sunset at 8.18pm: Name or description of Location: Name of Village, Town or City: Name of County: Name of Country:

Will your participation be open to the public or private — please confirm:

NB: If it is private your involvement will not be shown on any public listing, so it is important you confirm this aspect of your participation please.