From war to peace – Victory in the Pacific Day
Today we commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific, the moment the Second World War ended. On 15 August 1945, the war that had consumed the world for six long years was finally over. Streets across Australia erupted with emotion as radios crackled with the news of Japan's surrender. Amid the cheering and euphoria though, was a quiet grief. A grief felt in homes who had received telegrams delivering the worst possible news, and in the hearts of those awaiting news of loved ones who would never return. We had won peace, but at a terrible cost. From a nation of around 7 million, almost 1 million of those served in our armed forces and merchant navy in the Second World War. Some 40,000 didn't return home. Victory in the Pacific Day marks the end of a great darkness - brought on by the most devastating global conflict in human history. The long hoped-for peace at wars end marked the beginning of a rebuild - of lives, families and nations. This year, as we mark 80 years since that historic day, we honour the triumph as much as the toll. We remember the courage of not only those who fought in the Second World War, but those who served on the home front, and the families whose lives were changed forever. We also acknowledge all those who experienced the war in other parts of the world, many of whom came to call Australia home in the years following. Today across Australia, cities, towns and local communities will fall silent as we honour the fallen, the survivors and their families. Today, we reflect on this enduring wartime legacy and remember what it took to get here - the sacrifice, the sorrow and the strength. Lest we forget. Comments attributed to Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh: "The Second World War changed the face of Australia forever, it impacted every town, and we forged new enduring alliances. But as a nation under attack for the first time, the best of the Australian, indeed the Anzac spirit, shone through - with mates pulling together to help mates both at home and abroad. This special commemorative year I acknowledge all those proud veterans who will join us to commemorate this anniversary, many who have reached their century - who will stand tall in services across the nation as we say thank you."
