Heroes of the Pacific remembered

17 February 2010 By Michael Brooke

The Navy has joined hands with more than 1000 war veterans and the RSL to launch a series of commemorative activities in the lead up to the 65th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day (VP Day) in WWII.

More than 250 people including Veterans’ Affairs Minister Alan Griffin and COMAUSFLT Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore attended the ceremony called ‘Keeping the Spirit of ’45 Alive’ at North Bondi RSL on February 7.

RADM Gilmore praised the heroism of Australian WWII Service personnel who contributed to Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945, which ended four years of fighting in the Pacific and hostilities in WWII.

“We in uniform today owe a great deal to the veterans of former conflicts,” RADM Gilmore said.

“Our name as a nation and as a Defence Force has been forged by the courage, commitment, dependability, fortitude and resilience of those dedicated men and women who have served Australia proudly.

“They inspire us with their example and our nation rightly owes them its deepest and most sincere gratitude.”

Numerous events and activities will be conducted in the lead up to the 65th anniversary of VP Day on August 15, when there will be a commemoration ceremony and parade at the Cenotaph at Martin Place in Sydney.

The 65th anniversary of VP Day is being commemorated by the Eastern and Northern District Councils of the RSL (NSW) to honour the service and sacrifice of the many thousands of Australians who served in the Pacific during 1941-1945.

During that period, more than 19,000 Australians lost their lives, 15,000 were wounded and 22,000 were taken prisoner.