With so many events cancelled or restricted for the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of VJ Day on 15 August 2020, join the Volunteer Cadet Corps in commemorating VJ Day by sending paper cranes to us at Headquarters, where they will be assembled into a paper wreath for the Children’s Peace Monument in the Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park.

15 August 2020 is the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, when Imperial Japan surrendered to the Allies, ending World War II. During six years of fighting, at least 50 million people died. Shortly before VJ Day, on 6 and 9 August 1945, the United States, with the consent of the United Kingdom, dropped two atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki respectively, to bring an end to the Pacific War. The atomic bombs killed between 129,000 and 226,000 people, the majority of whom were civilians. This devastating loss of life brought about the Japanese surrender.

What is the Children’s Peace Monument?

The Children’s Peace Monument in Hiroshima is dedicated to Sadako Sasaki who died of radiation poisoning as a result of the atomic bomb aged 12. While she was in hospital, Sadako wanted to fold a thousand cranes – in Japanese tradition, if you fold 1000 cranes you are granted a wish. Sadako’s wish was to have a world without nuclear weapons. Today, thousands of origami cranes from all over the world are offered to her monument. This is where your cranes wreath will be laid.

How do I make a paper crane?

 Follow this step-by-step tutorial video to create your own paper crane.

Where do I send my cranes?

Once you have made your paper cranes, please send them to: Headquarters Volunteer Cadet Corps, 158 Building, HMS EXCELLENT, Whale Island, PORTSMOUTH, PO2 8ER. The closing date is 21 August 2020.