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.
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.
Chris Wills - Event Organiser
Email - chriswills5071@gmail.com
Phone - 0121 244 7263
Website - www.cofepow.org.uk