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DISPLAY:
VP Day events in Canberra transformed Lake Burley Griffin
into shower of sparks.
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Photo:
LSPH Ollie Garside
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On
August 15, Australia commemorated the sixtieth anniversary of
Victory in the Pacific and paid tribute to the extraordinary contribution
made by Australian servicemen and women during the Second World
War. Events were held all over the nation, with the national public
event, ‘Salute to Veterans’ hosted here in Canberra.
The ‘Salute’ consisted of activities, events and commemorations
over three days, culminating with a National Ceremony at the Australian
War Memorial. I was fortunate to be able to attend some of the
‘Salute to Veterans’ activities.
It was a great privilege for me to be able to spend time with
Second World War Veterans, to hear their heroic stories, and to
thank them for their remarkable service.
I never cease to be amazed at their humble and selfeffacing attitude.
I was deeply impressed with the contribution of the ADF to this
commemoration.
The ground displays of historic and modernmilitary equipment,
the various simulations and ‘rescues’ on Lake Burley Griffin,
and the spectacular aerial showcase, truly were a magnificent
tribute to this remarkable generation of servicemen and women.
It was a fitting way for the ADF to honour those who came before
us, who fought so bravely to defend the country we are now tasked
to defend. I would like to thank all ADF personnel, not only those
in Canberra, but all around the nation, who participated in this
commemorative weekend.
I am sure that your commitment and enthusiasm added to the experience
for everyone who witnessed these activities. During this commemoration,
I was honoured to be asked to speak on behalf of all the men and
women of the ADF at the official Veterans Reception at Parliament
House, where I took the opportunity not only thank our Veterans,
but also to share with them my immense pride in you-the current
generation of ADF men and women.
I am very impressed with your performance at home, the contribution
you are making on operations and on exercises, and the way in
which you conduct yourselves.
You are serving in the fine tradition established at ANZAC Cove
and reaffirmed sixty years ago by the Australian servicemen and
women of the Second World War.
You consistently demonstrate the finest Aussie qualities of courage,
compassion, endurance and mateship, just as they did.
ACM Angus Houston Chief of Defence Force
Tributes
a fitting honour for vets
I
would like to express my sincere appreciation for the magnificent
contribution of the ADF to the Salute to Veterans event in Canberra.
I have also written to the Secretary of Defence to offer my gratitude.
The air pageants were spectacular and greatly appreciated by the
veterans and the general public alike.
The number and variety of aircraft participating was highly impressive
as was the skill of those flying. The static displays were also
very popular and enjoyed by all; the personnel informative and
keen.
The commitment and enthusiasm of the ADF personnel who formed
part of the organising committee and all those in the air and
on the ground over the weekend was second to none.
Those from our two departments involved in the event preparations,
forged a strong working relationship; one based on mutual respect
and dedication to a common goal – to pay a fitting tribute to
our World War II veterans.
Thank you once again for a tremendous effort and the achievement
of an extremely successful Salute to Veterans.
Mark Sullivan
Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
