The Naval Association

The Naval Association

of Australia

VA114 Sunday 14 August 2005

SALUTE TO VETERANS LEADS VP DAY COMMEMORATIONS

Crowds at the Salute to Veterans in Canberra will witness the largest air pageant seen in any Australian city, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, De-Anne Kelly said today.

"The Australian Government is staging Salute to Veterans to thank Australia's World War II veterans on the 60th anniversary of VP Day and the end of the war," Mrs Kelly said.

"Salute to Veterans is the largest single commemorative event of its kind to recognise our veterans and is the centrepiece of VP Day activities occurring in State capitals and local communities across the nation," Mrs Kelly said.

"As dusk falls, crowds around Lake Burley Griffin will enjoy a magnificent finale opening with the RAAF Roulettes flying in the symbolic V-formation, before another cavalcade of aircraft iconic to the major conflicts of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq.

"The finale will build to a climax with red fireworks, symbolising the sacrifice of those who lost their lives, changing to white to represent light, hope and peace, reflecting the renewed hope and enthusiasm signalled by VP Day 60 years ago," Mrs Kelly said.

The air pageant will end in a spectacular fashion, with an F-111 flying above Anzac Parade, undertaking a dump and burn and leaving a trail of flame as it disappears into the night sky.

Salute to Veterans also features a range of activities that captures the history and re-creates the atmosphere of the era, such as 1940s dance performances, historical broadcasts, military bands and special exhibitions.

"I have also had the honour of joining some of Australia's World War II veterans at a special reception held last night in the Great Hall of Parliament House," Mrs Kelly said.

"Veterans are attending an ecumenical church service this morning, reflecting on the more sombre tones of the war and the lives lost. I will attend the weekend's closing tribute, a commemorative ceremony at the Australian War Memorial on VP Day itself - Monday 15 August," Mrs Kelly said.

Some one million Australians served during World War II, almost 40 000 lost their lives and more than 30 000 were taken prisoner. About 170 000 Australian World War II veterans are still with us.

"Salute to Veterans will recreate the atmosphere and emotion that marked the end of the war and will serve as a fitting tribute to the Australians who defended our nation, and those who gave their lives during their service,"
Mrs Kelly said.