07/05/2025
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Today, we commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
On 7 May 1945 the German High Command authorised the signing of an unconditional surrender on all fronts: the war in Europe was over. The following day, 8 May, was declared Victory in Europe (VE) Day,
The day sparked widespread and highly emotive public celebrations across the globe, but in Australia, celebration was tempered with the knowledge that our forces were still engaged in conflicts in the Pacific Region.
On 9 May, Australians right across the country attended church services in solidarity. The floodlights illuminating from the Australian War Memorial prompted one journalist to remark that they stood "In bright relief against the darkness which is now passing from Europe, and soon from the entire world."
Australians serving overseas joined wholeheartedly in the celebrations, while here in Australia, the news was met more sombrely. It wasn’t until some three months later, when Japan officially surrendered, that Australia's involvement in WW2 was truly over.
With victory comes sacrifice, and we pause to remember the 40,000 men and women who did not return home to their families, and we stand with those who did return and were forever changed.
Lest We Forget.
📷 The Advocate Newspaper front page, 8th May 1945.
