Well done on VP Day

By Ben Caddaye

CHIEF of Air Force Air Marshal Geoffrey Shepherd has congratulated all personnel involved in the recent 60th anniversary celebrations of the Victory in the Pacific.

He attended the event in Canberra.

“I have heard nothing but praise for the Air Force personnel who volunteered their support for the day and assisted the veterans around the lake here in Canberra,” he said.

“The Department of Veterans Affairs was most grateful for our support and their branch head, Ian Kelly, is quoted in the press as saying: ‘The event ran smoothly largely because of the efficiency of the ADF, which was responsible for coordinating the more technical parts of the weekend such as the air show and military ground displays’.”

“To the aircrew who flew the displays, well done. This could not have been done without your ground crew support and I appreciate your contribution as well.

“We received positive comment from the public and I know that similar tributes around the country also attracted very positive comment and gratitude for our effort and support to the veterans.

“I also received an email from a member of the public that says, ‘I would like to acknowledge the care, support, concern and hospitality that I observed your personnel extend to former members of the RAAF in the Veterans Area during the day.

‘... I was impressed by the efforts of your personnel. In this troubled world it was heartening and reassuring to know that compassion can still be shown for the elderly.

‘By all accounts you made it a memorable day.

‘Please convey my thanks to those on duty on Sunday – they did this country proud, extending such care and compassion to a generation that so willingly gave us the freedom which we enjoy today’.”

Air Marshal Shepherd thanked all Air Force members who had given time and support to the event in Canberra.
“Well done, you have lived up to our values and given your best and had fun in doing so,” he said.

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