The UK marks the 75th anniversary of VJ Day on Saturday, with a national moment of silence and service of remembrance, as well as tributes paid by world leaders. Victory over Japan was declared on 15 August 1945, when the emperor Hirohito addressed his people and told them to stop fighting. The formal surrender of Japanese forces came on 2 September that year; the date traditionally commemorated by the US. The day’s tributes will begin with a piper playing Battle’s Over at the Imperial War Museum’s HMS Belfast in London. That will be followed by the national service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, which will be attended by veterans. Shortly after 10am, the BBC will broadcast the Friendship of Nations, which will include 10 world leaders paying tribute to all who served. They will include the Malawian president, Lazarus Chakwera, the Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari, and the Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison. The Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, the US president, Donald Trump, and the UK prime minster, Boris Johnson, will also deliver remarks. “On this 75th anniversary of the end of the second world war, we pay tribute to the heroes deployed thousands of miles away in the mountains, islands and rainforests of Asia,” Johnson will say. “Unable to celebrate the victory in Europe, and among the last to return home, today we recognise the bravery and ingenuity of those who, in the face of adversity, restored peace and prosperity to the world. “Their immeasurable sacrifice changed the course of history and at today’s commemorations, we take the opportunity to say what should be said every day – thank you.” The Labour leader, Keir Starmer, has also paid tribute to those caught up in the conflict, saying they “gave so much, not only to defend our country but for freedom across the world”. Starmer said: “The conflict in the Pacific and south-east Asia was particularly cruel and saw many British, Commonwealth and allied troops lose their lives fighting for a better world and a better future. “On behalf of the Labour party I want to pay tribute to the wartime generation, who through the horrors of conflict showed us the spirit and determination that we need to always remember and always be grateful for. “It’s important that as we face the challenges of today, we take inspiration from that generation. Through their community spirit and their bravery and their determination for a better world they’ve shown us what we can achieve when we pull together.” The Red Arrows will also perform flypasts over Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff, before concluding a tour of the UK over London, the government has said. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be alongside the prime minister during the national moment of silence and William will feature in a BBC One programme, where he will pay tribute to all those involved in the second world war. His grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, will appear alongside other veterans on large screens across the UK – including the Piccadilly Curve and National Rail stations – in a photomontage showing the veterans during their time in service and as they are now.