1945 Great Britain - VJ Day Thanksgiving Service souvenir program

Description

1945 GREAT BRITAIN - VJ Day Thanksgiving Service souvenir program
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An original August 19, 1945 souvenir program for the Thanksgiving Service in London celebrating the end of the Second World War. Held after Japan's surrender at St. Paul's Cathedral in London amid widespread wartime bomb damage, the service was presided over by King George VI and The Queen Mother, parents of future queen Elizabeth II. She and her sister Margaret were in attendance as their father made his famous speech commemorating the end of a war that had been hard fought by his subjects for over seven years. Less than seven years after this momentous event the King died unexpectedly, making his daughter Elizabeth the queen, a title she herself subsequently held for over 70 years.
On the 7th of  May 1945 Germany surrendered after six long painful years of war and the 8th of May was declared Victory in Europe, or VE day. Celebrations were widespread throughout Britain with thanksgiving services, street parties, dancing and bonfires. It was a day to be remembered but tinged with sadness for there was a realization that many men and women were not yet home from various fighting fronts and the Japanese had still to be conquered. Above all, there were thousands throughout the country who would never return.
On August 6th 1945, United States Air Forces dropped the first atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima, Japan, killing 70,000 people. On August 9 1945, the second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki and on the 15th August 1945, Japan surrendered. When the war in Japan ended the celebrations in Britain for VJ Day seemed much more subdued than the VE celebrations, but nevertheless everyone celebrated in the hope that it was the war to end all wars.
This 4-page commemorative piece of British WWII history measures 5" x 7" and is in very good condition for its age. The cover features formal portraits of the King and Queen along with the British flag and the letters "V J". The cover also states "National Thanksgiving at St. Paul's Cathedral - Sunday, 19th August, 1945 - Souvenir Programme".
Interestingly, from a historical standpoint, is the fact that this important celebratory program was printed cheaply on lesser quality paper, no doubt reflecting wartime shortages from a years-long conflict that had only ended days before. All pages have expected age yellowing to the paper. The interior two-page spread details the Order of Procession as the King & Queen set out by royal coach to ride through the streets of London choked with onlookers on their way to the memorial service at St. Paul's Cathedral. Behind the King, in the third of three carriages mentioned, rode the victorious Chiefs of Staff of the English military leadership. The route and landmarks along it are mentioned, the ceremony as the King is met by the Lord Mayor of London, the fanfare of trumpets upon his arrival, and the service conducted subsequently by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Lastly, the King's speech commemorating the war's end is reproduced in its entirety. There are no tears present, but the original recipient of this program did fold it twice, no doubt to fit in a pocket. Along the vertical fold line on the back cover there is slight staining along the bottom edge, and there are two small areas of foxing at the top & bottom of the front cover and inside spread. These issues not not detract from its display potential or collectibility. This is the very same souvenir program that jubilant London roadside onlookers or those fortunate enough to be inside the cathedral for this historic moment would have referred to at the event commemorating this great moment in British and world history. This program would make a fine addition to any British royal family, King George VI, Second World War, Pacific Theater, or Great Britain historic memorabilia collection.
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