Legacy of WW2 heroes lives on - we have a duty to never forget

Today, on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we come together to mark the end of a conflict that changed the world - to honour those who served in the Far East, and remember those who never came home. The legacy of those who served in World War II lives on in our Armed Forces today, who work tirelessly to protect the freedoms secured through their courage and commitment.

The alliances forged during the Second World War - in NATO, the Commonwealth and across the Far East - remain vital to our collective security. Before I was elected as the Labour MP for Leyton and Wanstead, I served for over 24 years in the Royal Air Force, earning the MBE for my service, with deployments in Haiti and Afghanistan as part of the 1st Special Operations Wing. This USAF formation was descended from the 1st Air Commando Group, created to support Orde Wingate's Chindits in Burma - part of the "Forgotten Army" whose courage helped secure victory in the Far East.

Each year I visit the memorial behind the Ministry of Defence that recognises their sacrifice - a place too often overlooked, but which reminds us of the cost of peace.

Eighty years on, the world feels increasingly unstable. From Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine to conflict in the Middle East, global instability is once again part of our daily headlines. That is why this anniversary matters. In a volatile world, it is more important than ever to reflect on the lessons of the past, and the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who came before us.

Victory in Japan came at a heavy price. The final months of the war in Asia and the Pacific were marked by extraordinary hardship and loss. That legacy must not only be remembered - it must guide our actions today.

As we mark this anniversary and hear the stories of our VJ Day veterans, we fulfil a solemn duty: to preserve their legacy, pass it on to future generations, and ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.