The Naval Association

The Naval Association

of Australia

VA116 Monday 15 August 2005

VP DAY: AUSTRALIA MARKS 60 YEARS SINCE THE END OF WWII

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, De-Anne Kelly, today encouraged all Australians to reflect on the service of Australia's World War II veterans on the 60th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific and the end of World War II.
"Sixty years ago today Australians welcomed the news that World War II was over," Mrs Kelly said.
"There were celebrations in the streets as Australians gathered to share in the excitement of war's end. As the jubilation calmed down, Australians reflected on the lives that had been lost during the war.
"Australians serving around the world experienced mixed emotions. They could look forward to returning home, but thoughts turned also to those who did not live to see peace."
About 40 000 Australians lost their lives and more than 30 000 were taken prisoner of war.
"Sixty years on, Australians have once again gathered to celebrate the end of World War II and to remember those who served and died in six long years of war," Mrs Kelly said.
"Over the weekend, thousands of Australians commemorated the end of World War II in capital cities, regional centres and local communities.
"On VP Day itself - August 15 - Australians will come together with World War II veterans at services to pay tribute those who are still with us, and reflect on those who did not survive the war.
"Today we should honour and respect the tenacity, spirit and courage of veterans in recovering after the war."
Media contact: Craig Clarke 0417 889 423
The Minister for Veterans' Affairs will attend the VP Day commemorative ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra at 10.30am on Monday.
Editor's note: Please find attached a message from the Minister for Veterans' Affairs on the 60th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific and the end of World War II.
Message from Minister for Veterans' Affairs, De-Anne Kelly for the 60th Anniversary of Victory in the Pacific (VP Day)

Sixty years ago, Australians at home and those serving abroad welcomed the news of Victory in the Pacific and the end of World War II.

August 15, 1945 was a time to rejoice, but overshadowing that joy was the sombre realisation that this war had seen the loss of thousands of Australian lives. There would have been few families not touched by the war in some way. After the celebrations, Australians held services and family gatherings, giving thanks for peace and remembering those who had been lost.

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

Over this coming weekend, Australians have joined with World War II veterans in capital cities, regional towns and in local communities to thank them for their great contribution and their sacrifice.

Tributes to the servicemen and women who fought so bravely for our freedom and democracy included commemorative ceremonies, marches, parades and exhibitions. I would like to thank the communities and ex-service organisations that have worked so hard to organise these events, which have been proudly supported by the Australian Government.

I am honoured to be attending the VP Day commemorative ceremony at the Australian War Memorial. On Sunday 14 August, I will join the Brisbane community in their commemorations. I look forward to meeting some of Australia's World War II veterans at a reception in the Great Hall of Parliament House, Canberra on Saturday 13 August, as part of the Salute to Veterans, the national event to mark this significant anniversary

On the 60th anniversary of VP day, I encourage all Australians to pause both to remember the relief and thanksgiving at the end of the war, and remember and honour those who gave their lives.