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Commemorations have been held in Caerphilly County Borough marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.

The Blackwood and District Branch of the Royal British Legion held a service at Markham War Memorial honouring those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War.

Similar services in Risca and Newbridge were also held on Friday August 15.

In Markham, Rev Ralph Aladese, Curate to the Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry, led the well-attended service with representatives of local organisations laying wreaths.

These included Markham councillor Walter Williams and Caerphilly County Borough Mayor Dawn Ingram-Jones. Cefn Fforest and Pengam councillor Teresa Heron, the council’s Armed Forces Community Covenant Champion, also laid a wreath.

Andrew Doody, a member of the Blackwood and District Branch of the Royal British Legion, and the Vice Chair of Gwent County for the organisations told Caerphilly Observer of the importance of the ceremony.

He said: “As a serviceman, I served in the Gulf War and Afghanistan and they were very big events in my life. I lost friends, colleagues, and people should never forget the those who went before and what they did for us. As long as we can carry events like this on, long may they continue.”

The Blackwood and District Branch has typically held Remembrance services in the town, but is now actively organising them in other parts of its area – such as Markham.

Natasha Hocking, chair of the branch, said: “Some of the branch members said they would like to be more involved so we decided to set-up a sub-group to organise today and it has been a huge success.

“I’d like to thank Sian and Dave Pennell, Rev Ralph, Cllr Walter Williams, community centre manager Lucy Brown, and Andrew Perkins for their work.

“We want to take future events like this and make big statements to bring the community together.”

Cllr Williams praised the efforts of the organisers.

He said community centre manager Lucy Brown and her team had done a fantastic job decorating their building and providing post-service refreshments.

He said: “We have to remember everybody who lost their lives from this village, and others, and also to encourage the youngsters to carry it on.”

The events were part of nationwide efforts to “Celebrate, Commemorate and Remember” the end of the war in the Far East, when Japan surrendered in 1945, bringing the Second World War to a close.

Yesterday, a special ceremony took place in Cardiff to commemorate the anniversary.

The Deputy First Minister represented Wales at the service, which took place at the Wales National War Memorial. It honoured Welsh veterans who served in Asia Pacific during the Second World War.

Huw Irranca-Davies lay a wreath, alongside MP Dame Nia Griffiths and Mr Masaki Ikegami, Deputy Ambassador for the Japanese Embassy in the UK.

The Deputy First Minister later hosted a private reception at the Temple of Peace, where families of VJ veterans will gathered to remember their loved ones’ service.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said: “Today we honour the Welsh veterans and all those who served in Asia Pacific during the Second World War.

“On this 80th anniversary, we remember not only their service, but also the importance of reconciliation. We must ensure their stories and sacrifices are never forgotten, so that future generations can understand the true cost of war and the value of peace.”