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On Friday 15 August, we gathered as a community at the State Memorial Park in Kings Park and Botanic Garden for a special commemorative service marking 80 years since Victory in the Pacific, and the end of the Second World War.
Marking the milestone anniversary, RSL WA were honoured to welcome 22 veterans who served during the Second World War, with the Ode being recited by Second World War veteran Mr Hilton Doust, paying tribute to those who served.
The service was also attended by His Excellency the Hon. Chris Dawson AC APM Governor of WA, Mr Hugh Jones MLA, Deputy Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds, dignitaries, veterans, current serving ADF members and family members.
Speaking of the event, Duncan Anderson, RSL WA State President said, “What an immense privilege it was to host these amazing veterans recognising the conclusion of the Second World War. It is impossible to comprehend the hardships faced by that generation. We should be forever grateful.”
Stephen Barton, RSL WA CEO, reflected on the significance of continuing to recognise our veterans and their courage to sacrifice for Australia: “In moments of the greatest peril, our country and its people, committed acts of great courage, stoicism and endurance in defence of the values of liberal democracy. If we do not remember that, how then do we appreciate the virtue and fragility of what we have, or what it might cost for us to keep it?
This is cause for reflection, because we may soon find ourselves in a world where this is not an abstract question.”
