4 ways to celebrate VJ Day...In a DIY, 2020 fashion!

So whilst it may feel like the dust has only just settled from the nation’s VE Day 75th Anniversary celebrations, it’s nearly time to do it all again…...And why not?? With fears of a dreaded second wave of Covid-19 all around us, we could all do with a dose of safe, distracting fun whilst paying tribute to those who long ago made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. 

We celebrate VJ Day (Victory in Japan) on Saturday 15th August, a day when we commemorate the end of World War II. Victory in Europe (VE Day) noted the end of the Europena war against Nazi Germany in May 1945, however the Allied Armed Forces were resigned to fight on further against the Japanse Axis in the Pacific.

It is often lost on many of the younger generation that World War II therefore only truly ended on the 15th August 1945 and that we now commemorate VJ Day to mark the date that Japan finally surrendered to the Allies and the world was freed from tyranny.

So here we are in August 2020...Sadly just as with VE Day back on May 8th, pretty much all of the planned public celebrations to mark this momentous anniversary have regrettably had to be mothballed. Our beloved Queen is rightly being shielded from all public duties but it’s been announced however that Prince Philip, The Duke Of Edinburgh, will play a key role in the tribute marking the anniversary. He will feature in a poignant photo montage honouring World War II veterans. Like the other WW2 veterans honoured with this montage, the Duke of Edinburgh will be pictured with an image of himself from their service. This tribute is planned to be broadcasted on large screens around the nation. Not to be left out, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall,will also lead the UK in a national moment of remembrance and thanksgiving for all those who served in the Far East battles. As they did on the anniversary of VE Day, the royal pair will hold a two-minute silence, which is to be broadcasted from a televised ceremony. 

So the mass public gatherings may not be happening - But never fear! We must mark this event, pandemic or not, and we must do all we can to continue to foster that bulldog spirit that became so joyously evident throughout the VE Day celebrations and at moments of togetherness such as the NHS Clap For Carers tributes.

Here’s The Flag Shop’s playful guide to how you can stick two fingers up at Coronavirus and arrange your own commemoration VJ event!

We’ve never spent so much time, money and effort on our gardens and outdoor areas as we have during the 2020 lockdown - It’s been said by many that the nation may be sick & fed up but by God, do our gardens look good! So what better time to dust off the old Union Jack flags or pick up some much-needed new ones to show your neighbours your tribute is the real thing?

The staple 5ft x 3ft Union Jack flag lends itself perfectly to this scenario - Ideal for brightening up any street party or garden, it comes complete with two metal grommets for easy hanging and boasta great durability due to its long-lasting polyester material. Wait till you see the difference these great flags make to your photos commemorating the event!

The Flag Shop is proud to offer a broad range of Union Jack bunting options too! Our Giant UK Flag Bunting measures a massive 18.25 metres in length, including 30 individual Union Jack flags each measuring 45cm x 30cm to make a great decorative impact across any large building, wall, hedge or fencing.

So many communities and streets across the UK have come together and bonded since the lockdown. It has been one of the rare bright spots of the situation, so what better excuse to arrange another get-together in the safety of your own street for such a worthy cause?

Polite, friendly conversation...Traditional cakes and biscuits being baked... the family heirloom pots of tea making a rare appearance….All whilst sat in your patriotically-dressed garden and street! What could possibly be more British?

Also many of the nation now use music streaming services which can help to add a brilliant authentic element to the backstreet or garden celebrations - Just a quick search can uncover loads of superb 1940s genuine playlists, ensuring the soundtrack to the day is totally in-keeping with all the amazing patriotic decorations! As the sun sets on a memorable and moving day, we all may just feel that little bit more proud to be British.

It’s not all about gardens and wall decorations - Our Union Jack car flag lets you attach your tribute to your beloved car, motorbike or even bicycle and let the world see your tribute as you flash by!

Measuring 40cm x 25cm, it’s a handy size to still be noticeable but also not hinder your visibility, which is pretty important! We all know how nice it is when you see the country pulling together, whether it’s for a Sporting tournament like the World Cup or Olympics or for a Remembrance event. So to see flags dotted around discreetly on passing cars is a lovely and unifying thing.

Our Union Jack Table Flag makes it possible for you to impress workmates with your patriotism! 

Offering great value and measuring 6” x 4” (150mm x 100mm) , the table flag stands a proud 12 inches high from its base. The polyester flag offers vivid colours that brighten up your workspace and may well prompt others to join the mood of tribute and remembrance! Before you know, you may have convinced your boss to decorate further and really add some colourful cheer with patriotic bunting and VJ Day flags galore - That’ll help mark the occasion!

Whatever way you do it, please do make the effort to mark this incredibly important occasion,. We at the Flag Shop will certainly be doing so and hope some of our products can help (in a small way) you to do the same!