IT was a moving and heartfelt ceremony for those who attended the unveiling of a new Second World War monument at Leyburn Airfield.

Saturday marked 70 years since the Japanese surrendered and the war ended for the Pacific nations.

Leyburn veteran Ian Lang, who served on this airfield, unveiled the new monument for the crowd of more than 100.

Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Peter Blundell sat by the war hero's side throughout the ceremony.

The Last Post was played while the crowd stood for a minute's silence.

A number of wreaths were laid by the marble monument and the flag was raised from half-mast.

The crowd all sang the national anthem and said the Lord's Prayer together.

Mr Blundell said the ceremony was a memorable one.

"I think it's a really fitting and appropriate monument," he said.

Leyburn veteran Jim Banks said he admired all of the hard work that went into making the ceremony possible. "It was quite moving," he said.

"Most of us are dying or are dead now, so it's impossible to get all of us to a function like this.

"It was just magnificent and it was so nice to see the older members back and some special visitors like Ian Lang."

Most of the crowd made their way to the Leyburn RSL for snacks and refreshments. Some visitors spent the rest of the afternoon at the Leyburn Sprints.

"It's just a great day across the Southern Downs today," Cr Blundell said.

"There is so much on this weekend, especially with the Leyburn Sprints."