VJ Day celebrations at Newton Aycliffe care homeResidents at HC-One’s St Clare’s Court care home in Newton Aycliffe celebrated VJ Day on 15th August with fellow Residents, some of whom experienced first hand what it was like on the day, 75 years ago.

On the morning of VJ Day, Residents were up bright and early to create some lovely decorations for the lounge, where they were going to enjoy most of their celebrations.

Doug, a Resident at St Clare’s Court, served in the Navy during the Second World War and was one of the first people to step foot into Hiroshima after the bomb dropped.

Doug wanted to wear his medals during the celebrations. He spent the morning polishing his medals and after lunch everyone met in the lounge room that had been decorated with bunting and flags where Doug gave a small talk about the time he went onto the Island of Hiroshima.

Doug was one of the first men to step foot into Hiroshima when it was safe to do so after he left his ship to go on to the island. Doug said he has spent all these years trying to forget what he saw that day.

Residents were very interested in what Doug had to say and enjoyed looking at all his medals that he had earned during his time in the Navy.

Later in the afternoon, St Clare’s Court lifted a glass to remember all those brave people who sacrificed their lives for their country. The day was ended with some music from the 50’s and 60’s which Residents enjoyed with a little bit of a socially distanced dancing.

St Clare’s Court Home Manager, Helen Emerson said: “I am very happy to be able to continue celebrating occasions like this in the home and maintaining social distancing, It was very moving to see the Residents so emotionally involved and enjoying celebrating such a special day to them.”