There will be a national 2 minute silence at 12 noon on Friday 15th August to mark the 80th anniversary of the final ending of the Second World War, with the surrender of Japan. Following this, we will be ringing the bells at Billingsley Church to mark the event; anyone is welcome to come to the church, or just listen to the bells. You may wish to use this prayer

God of the nations,
our refuge and our dwelling place,
we remember with thanksgiving
those whose service achieved Allied victory in the Pacific,
and hold before you all those who suffered
from the devastation and trauma of war.
As we pray for those who suffer the atrocities of war,
strengthen our resolve to pursue what makes for peace,
through the one in whom we are reconciled and made one,
even Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

We will also have a newspaper in the church from the 83rd Division of the US Army from 18th August 1945, marking the end of the war.