COFEPOW VJ 80 Commemorative Service and Wreath Laying

Visitor Announcement

The Armed Forces Memorial, and its immediate surroundings, will be closed to visitors from 10am on Friday 8 August to 5pm on Sunday 17 August to allow us to prepare to host the national VJ Day 80 commemorations. The rest of the Arboretum's 150-acres will remain open to visitors as normal. We are sorry for any inconvenience this might cause and appreciate your understanding during this time.

Find Out More

The Children, Families and Friends of Far East Prisoners of War (COFEPOW) association will be holding their annual service and wreath laying at the FEPOW Building here at the Arboretum.

 

COFEPOW established the Far East Prisoners of War Memorial Building, not only to remember those who died, but also to encompass the whole story of events during this unprecedented chapter in British history.

 

The Far East Prisoners of War Memorial Building was officially opened on 15 August 2005, the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in the Far East.

 

This year they will be marking 80 years since VJ Day, with the below itinerary:

Saturday 16 August 2025 | 2pm

Service at Lichfield Cathedral

Saturday 16 August 2025 | 7pm

Dinner at the National Memorial Arboretum

Sunday 17 August 2025 | 1pm

Lunch at the Arboretum

 

The association have asked that anyone wishing to attend please contacts Chris Wills to reserve your place before 01 July 2025.

For further information about this event, please contact:

 

Chris Wills - Event Organiser

Email - chriswills5071@gmail.com

Phone - 0121 244 7263

Website - www.cofepow.org.uk