Oxfordshire marks VJ Day on Sunday, August 15
People in Oxfordshire will join others across the world in remembering the sacrifices of those who served during World War 2 as part of the 76th anniversary of VJ Day on Sunday, August 15.
VJ Day marks the sacrifices of those who continued to serve in that theatre of war months after the fighting had ended in Europe.
Councillor Liz Leffman, the leader of the county council, said: “It is very important that we do not overlook the significance of VJ Day and those whose war service came in those parts of the world where war continued for some time after it ceased in Europe. We remember the local Oxfordshire people who gave their lives or served in the armed forces and express our continued and everlasting gratitude to them and their families.”
Oxfordshire County Council’s commitment to support the armed forces community in the county is cemented in the promise set out in the Armed Forces Covenant. The aim of the covenant, which was signed in 2011 and renewed in 2018, is to encourage charities, local authorities, businesses, communities and individuals to work together with the military to offer support to service personnel and their families, as well as reservists and veterans.
To strengthen the council’s relationship with Oxfordshire’s armed forces community, six elected members are appointed as military champions – one for each of the six military bases in Oxfordshire – to supplement the overarching military champion role undertaken by Cllr Liz Leffman, Leader of the Council.
The champions’ role includes raising the profile and needs of the armed forces community (both within the council and with our external partners), forming effective links with local military bases and promoting the Armed Forces Covenant and work to support it.
Armed forces champions are:
• Overall champion – Cllr Liz Leffman, Leader of the Council
• Bicester Garrison – Cllr Donna Ford
• RAF Brize Norton – Cllr Nick Leverton
• RAF Benson – Cllr Felix Bloomfield
• Abingdon Station – Cllr Richard Webber
• Vauxhall Barracks – Cllr Ian Snowdon
• Shrivenham Defence Academy – Cllr Sally Povolotsky