Sunday, August 16, 2026
10:30 am
Join us for VJ-Day Remembrance and the COFEPOW AGM
Sunday, August 16th, 2026, NMA
The COFEPOW commemoration of the Allied victory over brutal Imperial Japanese forces at the end of the Second World War encourages members and their friends and families to come together to remember the heroism and suffering of their forbears, who were held captive for many years by their nation’s enemy.
The charity will mark the 81st anniversary of VJ-Day on Sunday 16th August this year, at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire. This short Service is combined with the formal Annual General Meeting of COFEPOW, which is held in the Aspects Conference Suite at the NMA. Last year’s event was particularly well-attended and enjoyed, as it coincided with the 80th Anniversary of VJ Day.
This year, the trustees of COFEPOW again invite you to attend the AGM, wreath-laying and the Service. The day gives all attendees a perfect opportunity to meet old and new friends, listen to brief but relevant and informative presentations about the progress of the charity during the preceding year, and witness the efforts of trustees on the management board in furthering COFEPOW’s aims: ensuring the suffering and sacrifice of FEPOWs is never forgotten, and educating the public about the Far East war which lasted from 1941-1945.
Accounts will be reviewed, and attendees will see where donations are allocated and how the charity is run generally.
The AGM will commence at 10.30 a.m., and should terminate at around 12.00 noon, when members will be able to make the short walk to the FEPOW Memorial Building and Grove, where the laying of wreaths will take place at 1.00 p.m.
A Service of Remembrance back at the Aspects Conference Suite at 1.30 p.m., will be held by new COFEPOW padre, the Reverend Richard Brooker.
The trustees and officers of COFEPOW will also be on-hand to answer any questions you may have. There will also be a range of COFEPOW-branded merchandise on sale at the AGM to help bolster the charity’s funds. Refreshments will be served during and after the proceedings.
If you think you would like to attend the AGM and/or the Remembrance Service, it would help us in reserving seating and organising catering if you could reserve your place as soon as possible. Reservations can be made with Chris Wills, COFEPOW National Event Organiser, 74 The Greenway, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B73 6SG. Tel: 0121 244 7263 or email: events@cofepow.org.uk
Agenda of the day’s events.
National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire DE13 7AR.
- 10.30 -The AGM will commence in the Aspects Conference Suite at the National Memorial Arboretum
- 12.00 - Break for lunch before making your way to the FEPOW Memorial Building and Grove for the laying of wreaths
- 13.00 - Salute at the FEPOW Memorials - The Last Post
- 13.30 - Return to the Aspects Conference Suite for the VJ-Day Commemorative Service
- 14.30 - Tea/coffee and biscuits will be available, giving you a chance to gather and meet friends and acquire merchandise
- 16.00 - End of the day, and your journey home
