Commemoration of VJ Day at Burma Star Garden Ilminster 2015
Between 20 and 30 people gathered at the Burma Star Garden, Winterhay Lane on Saturday 15 August at 11am for a commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day arranged by the Ilminster Branch of The Royal British Legion and led by the Reverend Canon John Simpson. The Ilminster Deputy Mayor Tony Walker was in attendance as were members of the Chard Royal Naval Association. Mrs Angie Carlos played the Last Post and Reveille, Past Chairman John Robson gave the Legion Exhortation, the President Frank Gale gave the Kohima Epitaph, David Asprey read verses from a Changi Prison written by an unknown Far East Prisoner and the Chairman John Goodall laid a Poppy posy.
The Burma Star Garden was planted some 50 years ago to commemorate the men and women who fought in the World War 2 Burma Campaign. The garden was beautifully maintained voluntarily by Burma Star member Ken Carbin who lived nearby. Sadly, when Ken reached the age of 93, he was no longer physically able to carry on and the Town Council took over responsibility. The Town Council wardens have continued to care for the garden, but much to Ken’s dismay, they are not able to lavish the same level of care and attention. Ken, who died last year, was the last Burma Star Ilminster Branch member.
