For 6 devastating years, war ravaged the globe for the second time.
Three and a half of those years it was waged in the Pacific region, darkening our shores, as the theatre of war threatened our native soil.
The toll was almost immeasurable.
The Second World War touched the lives of almost every person in our country. Almost a million Australians served in the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Merchant Navy, with more than half of those serving overseas, and those who remained behind occupying essential support roles on the home front.
After the unconditional surrender by Germany on 8 May 1945, and in the wake of the horrific events at Hiroshima and Nagasaki on 6 and 9 August respectively, Australians dared to hope the war would soon be at an end.
On 15 August 1945, Australia’s prime minister Ben Chifley announced Japan's surrender, and the end of the Second World War. Today, we commemorate its 81st anniversary.
Known as Victory in the Pacific Day or VP Day, it brought with it a gamut of emotions, joy and celebration for many, as well as reflection and sorrow for others over what was lost and the terrible cost.
Approximately 40,000 Australians lost their lives serving in the Second World War and untold others were wounded or left scarred by what they witnessed. The graves of those who died and memorials honouring the missing, can be found in sites all over the world.
We remember the contributions made by Australians to the Allied victories in Europe and across the Asia-Pacific throughout the Second World War.
We honour their enduring legacy, their resilience and their tenacity in some of the most difficult and challenging times known to humanity.
We owe all who served a debt of gratitude we can never repay and will never forget their sacrifices in the pursuit of peace.
Lest we forget.
Visit our Anzac Portal to learn more about Victory in the Pacific Day.
Crowds of civilians and soldiers fill a Sydney city street during celebrations for VP Day.
Image courtesy of the Australian War Memorial.