VA036 Sunday 8 May 2005

60TH ANNIVERSARY OF VICTORY IN EUROPE

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, De-Anne Kelly, will join representatives from 17 countries at the Australian War Memorial today to remember the sacrifice of those who served during World War II.

"Sunday 8 May 2005 marks the 60^th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, an opportunity to pause and reflect on Australia's contribution to WWII," Mrs Kelly said.

Mrs Kelly will lay a wreath at the Memorial to honour the 100,000 Australians who served in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the Atlantic theatres of war. Of these, 17 000 lost their lives.

A group of 17 Australian WWII veterans and a war widow visiting France will attend the official VE Day commemorations in Paris at the Arc de Triomphe. The mission party will represent Australia's servicemen and women in an international tribute to those who served in these theatres, and in remembrance of those who lost their lives.

Mrs Kelly said Australia's significant contribution towards Victory in Europe included at least 26 RAN ships, three Australian Army divisions, and 19 RAAF squadrons. In addition, thousands of Australian airmen and sailors served in British units.

"Australians served in Europe from the beginning of hostilities in September 1939. Even after the bulk of our forces were recalled to defend our own shores during the war in the Pacific, thousands of Australians continued to serve in Europe and were there to hear the long-awaited news of peace," Mrs Kelly said.

"This anniversary serves as an important reminder of the sacrifices these servicemen and woman made to ensure a greater freedom for future generations."