RSL Victoria to commemorate 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific
On Friday August 15, 2025, RSL Victoria will be conduct a ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day, the day the Japanese surrendered to the Allies, ending the Second World War.
During the service RSL Victoria President Dr Mark Schröffel will recite the Ode in memory of the approximately 40,000 Australians that were killed during the Second World War.
“VP Day is one of the most significant moments in our nation’s history,” Mark Schröffel said. “After almost six years of bitter fighting the war was finally over.”
Dr Schröffel will be joined by representatives from State and Federal political parties, Consul Generals of Second World War Allies including the United States, Great Britain and New Zealand together with military leaders and veteran organisations in laying wreaths in memory of the fallen.
Guest speaker Major General Jason Blain AM CSC, Head of the Land Systems Division of the Australian Army, will then address the service.
“The Pacific Theatre of the Second World War saw the conflict come directly to our shores, most notably in the bombing of Darwin and penetration of our naval defences in Sydney Harbour,” Dr Schröffel said. “It is important to remember the sacrifice of all Australians at home and abroad on the 80th anniversary of the end of the war.”
Nearly one million Australians (around one in seven of the then population) served in uniform during the Second World War. Tragically, more than 39,000 lost their lives and 66,000 were wounded. Many thousands more became prisoners of war, suffering greatly not seeing family, friends and their country for more than four years. 8,000 died in captivity.
RSL National President Greg Melick said this 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day (VP Day) is an important time for Australia to recognise the sacrifices so many people made for the freedoms we enjoy today.
“As the number of WW II veterans dwindle, it is vital that we commemorate their collective contribution to our liberty and way of life,” Greg Melick said.
When the Japanese surrender was announced celebrations broke out across Australia, with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets of Melbourne to dance and cheer for the end of the war.
“The joy felt by people on that day was spontaneous but tempered by the sacrifices that had been made,” Dr Schröffel said. “No one alive then would forget that day and it is up to us to remember the sacrifices every Australian made.”
The service will be held at 11am on 15 August at the Shrine of Remembrance.
