The day the war ended

By Andrew Stackpool

FLGOFF E. Harvey, of Subiaco, WA, with his mascot, during the last months of World War II.

Photo provided by AWM

WITH Canberra set to host a spectacular 60th anniversary commemoration of VP Day this August, the ADF is gearing up to showcase some of the best from both its vintage and modern arsenals.

“Fellow citizens, the war is over.”

Few announcements in Australian history have provoked such spontaneous displays of emotion as Prime Minister Ben Chifley’s on August 15,1945.

On that day, fighting between Japanese and Allied forces formally ceased. While some spasmodic skirmishing between isolated units continued for some time, this was the official end of World War II which had raged for almost six years.

For Australians at home and those serving abroad, it was a time to rejoice. People poured into the streets, dancing, waving flags and enjoying the freedom for which they and their servicemen and women had sacrificed so much. Overshadowing the joy, however, was the sombre realisation that this war had seen the loss of nearly 40,000 Australians.

Sixty years after Prime Minister Chifley’s declaration, Canberra will host Salute to Veterans, a national event to thank Australia’s World War II veterans for their contribution and sacrifice. Centred on and around Lake Burley Griffin and Anzac Parade, Salute to Veterans will run from August 13 to 15, 2005, encompassing Victory in the Pacific Day on Monday August 15.

“The Salute is a wonderful opportunity to honour nearly one million Australians who served during World War II and heighten community awareness of the significance of VP Day to our country,” the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, De-Anne Kelly, said.

The Salute will feature ADF ground displays of historic and modern military equipment, including World War II military vehicles, and simulated operations and rescues.

“Our Navy, Army and Air Force will all play a significant role in making the Salute a memorable event, paying tribute to those who served before them in World War II,” VP Salute Steering Committee Chair, Air Marshal David Evans, retired, said.

A highlight will be a series of air pageants on Sunday August 14 involving about 25 different Defence aircraft. This will culminate in a choreographed sunset finale featuring a group flyover of Lake Burley Griffin by warbirds and modern aircraft, as well as an F-111 dump and burn, music and spectacular fireworks.

Family entertainment will include 1940s dance performances, historical broadcasts, military bands, and special exhibitions including My Melancholy Duty –- Menzies and Curtin in the Second World War at Old Parliament House. Other special events will be held at the Australian War Memorial and the National Archives of Australia, where an open afternoon on Sunday August 14 will allow visitors to access their families’ World War II dossiers.

As part of the Salute, there will be an evening reception for invited veterans in the Great Hall of Parliament House on Saturday August 13, and an ecumenical church service at the Church of St Andrew in Forrest, Canberra, at 9.30am on Sunday August 14.

On VP Day itself, Monday August 15, a commemorative ceremony will be held at the Australian War Memorial at 10.30am to close the weekend’s tribute.

For more information call the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 1300 360 635 or visit www.dva.gov.au.

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