MONROE, La. (KNOE) - On August 15, 1945, the world celebrated victory over Japan and the end of World War II after two atomic bombs were dropped on its cities. Japan surrendered on August 14, but the celebrations were worldwide the next day.

The UK Armed Forces marked the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ Day) with a solemn and reflective service held at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Victory over Japan Day is marked each year on 15 August - the date in 1945 when Japan surrendered to the Allied forces and World War Two ended.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Like Del’s Lemonade or the Gaspee parade, Victory Day is one of the Ocean State’s unique summertime traditions. Monday is Rhode Island’s 77th annual Victory Day, making the state once again the only place in America that honors the end of World War II with a legal holiday.

A military parade to honour the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day took place on Saturday, and here are the best pictures from the day. The event, marking the end of the Second World War, was held in Southampton on Saturday, August 16, and began in Watts Park before concluding in Palmerston Park.

King Charles III has honoured those whose "service and sacrifice" helped to bring an end to World War Two in a personal message marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. In an audio message recorded earlier this month, the King vowed that those who fought and died in the Pacific and Far East "shall never be forgotten".

VJ Day commemoration service at Haverfordwest Cenotaph remembered British troops’ sacrifice in the war against Japan

The official VJ Day in the UK is on August 15, with the US marking Victory over Japan on September 2. In Japan the day is known as the "memorial day for the end of the war".

A 100-year-old World War Two veteran said VJ Day did not seem to be of any "great consequence" at the time, even though he was serving in the Pacific. Richard Clegg, from Bozeat, near Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, was on board HMS Victorious on 15 August 1945 when Japan surrendered.

Rhode Island observes Victory Day on the second Monday of August, commemorating the end of World War II. The holiday has faced criticism for focusing on Japan's surrender and the atomic bombings, while supporters emphasize Pearl Harbor and Rhode Islanders' wartime sacrifices.