Tens of thousands of people are set to gather on The Strand later this year as the city commemorates 80 years since Victory in the Pacific.
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney announced the three-day August commemorations today in partnership with the Queensland Government and said as a proud garrison city Townsville was ready to host a celebration to rival Victory in the Pacific commemorations in years gone by.
"While VP80 is a commemoration, it's also a celebration of what we value and love in Australia, the freedoms we are afforded and the beautiful country we get to live in today because of the sacrifices of those who have served," Cr Greaney said.
"Townsville residents will fondly remember VP commemorations over the years, whether it be VP70 in 2015, or for those longer-term residents - VP60 in 2005 or VP50 in 1995.
"It is a celebration like no other, where our proud community comes out in force to not only honour the end of Australia's participation in the Second World War, but remember and acknowledge the sacrifices of our defence so that we can be here today.
"Our city played a pivotal role in WWII, and I think it's something that every community member should be aware of.
"In VP50 in 1995 we had more than 3200 surviving Australian and allied veterans and their families join the commemorations, while the 2025 commemorations will honour those few surviving Veterans, it is an opportunity to renew community pride in our history and remind and educate our community and younger generations of the role our service men and women, our city and our allies played at the forefront of this conflict."
Councillor Greaney said the three-day festivities would kick off from Friday 15 August and run through to Sunday 17 August and include a commemorative service, historical reenactments, a community open day and parade along the Strand, including a sky salute.
"There has been a lot of logistics involved in pulling together such an event, so to have a top-notch committee of Townsville representatives involved has helped bring everything together," Cr Greaney.
"While I'm definitely looking forward to visiting the community day at Jezzine and the Strand on Saturday which will include a flypast, I know the commemorative service at Anzac Park on the Friday as well as the reenactment of the "War is over" speech in Flinders St will be really special.
"VP80 will be a free event for the whole family, and one I'm really looking forward to celebrating with our community."
Commander 3rd Brigade Brigadier Ben McLennan said the commemoration of VP80 was a reminder of how Army, Defence Force, Coalition and Community in Townsville united in crisis.
"What happened here in Townsville during WWII exemplifies our resolute will and stoic fortitude to fight back and win," Brigadier McLennan said.
"VP80 also reminds us that our great Garrison city was forged during WWII and reminds us of our obligation to be ready to do the same as our forebears, if the need arises."
Commanding Officer 27 Squadron, Wing Commander Luke Headley said the declaration of Victory in the Pacific in 1945 was an historic and momentous moment not only for Australia, but especially north Queensland.
"The projection of air power by Australian and allied aviators was critical to ending the conflict with Japan, and Townsville was at the forefront of that effort," he said.
"That proud story of determination, endurance and sacrifice will feature prominently at the re-furbished RAAF Townsville Aviation Heritage Centre when it re-opens to the public during the celebrations in August."
