Wollongong’s Victory in the Pacific Day service will be held on Friday at the MacCabe Park Cenotaph. Photo: Nardia Guillaumier.
The Illawarra’s three remaining World War II veterans will be recognised at Wollongong’s Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day commemoration service on Friday (15 August).
This year’s service will mark 80 years since Japan accepted the allied demand for unconditional surrender on 14 August 1945.
VP Day, formerly known as Victory over Japan Day, is held annually to mark the end of World War II.
City of Wollongong RSL sub-Branch secretary Peter Lipscomb said the significance of VP Day extended beyond the memories of those directly involved in the conflict.
“It serves as a reminder of the remarkable human crisis that shaped our world and continues to influence our society today,” he said.
“For Australians, VP Day holds immense importance, particularly for the generation that endured the hardships of the Second World War, including our esteemed veterans and the families of those who never returned.
“It symbolises the triumph of freedom over grave threats and marks the conclusion of a period in our nation’s history when Australia faced the vulnerability of Japanese invasion.”
According to the Federal Veterans Affairs Department, almost one million Australians served in the armed forces during WWII, which was the first time since European settlement that Australia came under attack.
Australia’s war efforts from 1942 to 1945 focused on the Pacific region, including in Singapore, Borneo, Malaya, Papua, New Guinea and New Britain.
More than 17,000 Australians lost their lives while fighting in the war, with about 8000 dying in Japanese captivity.
The City of Wollongong RSL sub-Branch’s commemorative service will be held at the Wollongong Cenotaph in MacCabe Park at 11 am on Friday.
“This year’s ceremony will be particularly dedicated to the recognition of our three remaining WW2 veteran members, all of whom are aged over 100 years young,” Mr Lipscombe said.
“As years go by, our sub-branch believes it is of utmost importance we, as a community, cherish these men and women more than ever.
“We cordially invite all members of the community to join us on this solemn occasion, as we pay tribute to the exceptional service and sacrifices made by our veterans.
“It is an opportunity for us to reflect on the noble values they fought for during those trying times, which continue to shape our nation and its principles today.”
