Victory in the Pacific Commemorated at Cabra-Vale Diggers
The patriotic sounds of The Australian Army Band echoed through the streets of Cabramatta as the 78th Anniversary of Victory in the Pacific was celebrated by nine Western Sydney RSL Sub branches with a parade and ceremony at Cabra-Vale Memorial Park.
Key Points
- This year is the 78th Anniversary of Victory in the Pacific
- Cabra-Vale Diggers hosted a commemoration service and luncheon to honour the day
- Major Walter Robinson OAM (Ret’d) led the service which gave thanks to servicemen and women both past and present
Seventy eight years ago, on 15 August 1945, there were wild celebrations across the world, after Japan unconditionally surrender to the armed forces. The day became known as VJ day and ultimately led to the end of WW11.
This important day was commemorated with a parade attended by nine RSL clubs including Bankstown RSL Sub Branch, Cabra-Vale Ex-Active Servicemen’s Club, City of Campbelltown RSL Sub Branch, City of Fairfield RSL Sub Branch, City of Liverpool RSL Sub Branch, Ingleburn RSL Sub Branch, Mounties Group of Clubs, Smithfield RSL Sub Branch and St Johns Park Bowling Club, culminating in a solemn ceremony held at Cabra-Vale Memorial Park in Cabramatta.
Major Walter Robinson OAM (Ret’d), President of Cabra Vale Diggers Club led the celebrations to commemorate the day.
“We have had about 350 people (here today). We had 70 wreaths laid today. We had 12 schools from around the area for the very first time too. We also had a full honour guard here from 176th Air Dispatch Squadron. It was a great spectacle.”
The Consul General of United States of America, Consul General from New Zealand and Consul General from Japan attended as well as other special guests including the Minister for Veterans Affairs – The Hon David Harris MP as well as Major General Paul Irving (Ret’d) AM, PSM, PFD who gave a moving account of the differing reactions from those serving in the armed forces across the world when victory was announced.
There is a real sense of pride with this anniversary for the Diggers and their families, the soldiers, sailors, the airmen and airwomen.
“It's been a very poignant day for our veteran members,” said Major Robinson. “Young ladies from Saint Patrick's College at Campbelltown came dressed in period uniforms from World War Two, and I guess what's significant with that is that their parents often have English as their second spoken language, so they come from all parts of the world, but they want to be part of this history — which they are.”
“There is a real sense of pride with this anniversary for the Diggers and their families, the soldiers, sailors, the airmen and airwomen. They are so proud to be involved. Everyone was quite touched by this morning's service. It means a lot to them and even the current soldiers and Defence Force people. It's a significant day in our history and it's a significant day for all veterans.”
A luncheon was served inside the club for invited guests which gave veterans and current serving officers as well as families of Diggers and special guests a chance to relax after the formalities and enjoy a day of celebration of peace.
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