Korean War veteran pays tribute to Victory over Japan Day with Forres flowerbed design
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A FORMER serviceman created a flower bed display to mark 75 years since Victory over Japan Day on August 15, 1945.
Forres in Bloom (FIB) member, Bob Davidson (87) of Meikle Crook, wanted to pay tribute to the Allies that fought in the Second World War and the day that Imperial Japan surrendered, effectively bringing the war to an end.
He said: "It's important to remember the commitment and sacrifice of so many men and women. We should never forget."
Bob completed national service aged 18-20 and served for a year in the Korean War of 1950-53.
During that time he passed the site of Hiroshima on Japan’s Honshu Island, largely destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II.
He said: "I witnessed it for myself, seven years afterwards. There was complete stillness, not even an insect or plant to see, just rubble.
"At the time I accepted it but when I think back I reflect on the devastation that both sides incurred."
Since moving to Forres from Duffus six years ago, the retired police officer has spent five years volunteering with FIB.
"I'm up at the Grant Park greenhouses most days," he said. "We raise 20,000 plants-a-year there. I enjoy tending my own garden too!"
FIB would usually be involved in national competition such as Beautiful Scotland and Britain In Bloom but the coronavirus pandemic meant they were cancelled.
"I had more time for the Market Green display," said Bob. "It said VE Day until I moved a few pots! The display is made up of Begonia Flamboyant and cineraria silver dust."
