The 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Pacific: Commemorative Service and Wreath Laying

Representing the Premier of Queensland and Minister for Veterans, Member for Mundingburra, Ms Janelle Poole MP; Ambassador of France, His Excellency Pierre-Andre Imbert; representing the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Mr Luke Gosling OAM, MP;  Federal Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel, the Honourable Matt Keogh MP; Senator for Queensland, Senator Susan McDonald; Chief of Royal Australian Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell DSC, CSC, OAM; Commander, 3rd Brigade, Brigadier Ben McLennan CSC and Bar; Commander, HMAS Cairns, Commander Andrew Thorpe RAN and Australian Defence Force personnel; representing Chief of Staff, US Army Pacific, Brigadier General James Dooghan; Deputy Commander, US 5th Air Force, Brigadier General John Schutte and Members of The United States Armed Forces; U.S. Consul-General, Mr Jeremy Cornforth; Townsville City Council Acting Mayor, Councillor Ann–Maree Greany; Charters Towers Council Mayor, Councillor Elizabeth Schmidt; Veterans; service men and women; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; boys and girls.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands on which we gather, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and all First Nations people here today.

This morning, we come together in this very special place, to honour the members of the Australian Defence Forces and the United States Armed Forces, namely the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, who lost their lives to bring peace in the Pacific.

We remember all those who were captured as prisoners of war, those who were wounded, and we reflect on the veterans who returned home, but who carried the scars of war into their future.

Eighty years ago, when Japan’s unconditional surrender was announced, it brought with it a wave of jubilation, and immense relief that the fear and upheaval were finally over. 

Public and private celebrations were held in communities nationwide, including here in Townsville, where this park and Flinders Street were transformed by record crowds sharing their joy.

Yet, never far from thoughts—then and now—was the great sense of loss for the many who had perished, along with an enduring respect for the brave individuals who had put themselves at risk to preserve our precious way of life.

And amongst the sadness, this story is also about the tremendous sense of camaraderie—within our armed forces, and uniting our nation in its darkest hours—which was most evident here, in Townsville, where the city solidified its reputation as a crucial supply and military base for operations in the Pacific.

The sense of fellowship created during this time was also expressed through the close ties that were forged with allied countries, including, of course, the United States of America, who fought alongside us to preserve the freedom we hold so dear.

It was seen in the admirable way charitable organisations such as the RSL, and Legacy worked tirelessly to ensure support was there when it was most needed, and who today, continue to provide such compassionate understanding and assistance.

And this fellowship is expressed most significantly, by ceremonies like todays, as around our country we join together to show that sacrifice in service will never be forgotten.

I particularly acknowledge the World War II veterans who are joining us for this weekend’s special commemorations, and thank you, on behalf of us all, for your contributions as inspirational members of the Australian Defence Forces.

Let us pledge to stand united for the common good and to remain worthy of such a commendable example.

Lest We Forget.