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MAY 8 marks Victory in Europe (VE) Day, an opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all who served during the Second World War in defence of our nation in Europe, the Middle East, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
On September 3, 1939, Prime Minister Robert Gordon Menzies announced that Australia was at war.
This began five years and eight months of Australian involvement in fighting in the European theatre, and on May 7, 1945, Germany signed an unconditional surrender on all fronts, ending the conflict in Europe.
The following day, May 8 – the day the surrender came into effect – was declared VE Day.
Australians, including recently released prisoners of war, began to return home.
Although celebrations were buoyant overseas, in Australia they were more subdued as the war against Japan continued with no end yet in sight.
Almost one million Australians served in the Second World War.
In the war against Germany and her European allies, some 10,000 died, around 10,000 were wounded and almost 8,000 became prisoners of war.
This Saturday we remember the courage shown by our service men and women throughout the war in Europe. Lest we forget.
More information about VE Day is available at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Anzac Portal, along with a range of educational resources.
Darren Chester
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
