The Community VJ (Victory over Japan) Day Walk of Remembrance and Celebration of Hope brings together two powerful reasons to gather: To honour and remember the bravery and sacrifice of all those who served in the Far East during the Second World War on VJ Day on Friday 15^th August 80 years ago and to celebrate two years of the Wimbledon Common and Village Walk & Talk, the local initiative that has helped strengthen our community through conversation, connection, and shared steps. The Walk & Talk group will host the event.

When: Saturday, 16th August 2025 from 10:30 AM – 12.30 PM

Where: Meet at the Wimbledon War Memorial, High Street, London SW19 5AZ

Event Overview:

• A leisurely-paced, gentle one hour walk around the Commons near the Village
• Personal reflections of post war days from the Far East
• A poem titled “Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation”
• A reading from Elizabeth Beresford (creator of The Wombles) who was a Wren in London on the day VJ was announced
• An address by the Reverend Farodoye: “Blessed are the peace makers”, a commitment to peace
• Post walk 2^nd anniversary refreshments, coffee and cakes in the Village.