Living History
The 60th Anniversary of the End of World War II
On the 15th of August 1945, Prime Minister Ben Chifley announced:
"Fellow citizens, the war is over".
Generations of Australians have fought for our country, many following in the footsteps of their parents. Almost a million Australians, both men and women, served in the Second World War. This year is the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II and it is time to, as a nation, acknowledge the pure courage and sacrifice made by so many men and women.
For the months of August, September and October, Living History is exploring this topic as it has a history in almost every Australian family today. You are invited to send in your memories, photos or family stories about the days during World War II. Were you a soldier out in the field or a nurse caring for the wounded? Were you back in Australia building the planes and weapons or upholding family life?
The Australian Government staged Salute to Veterans, a national public event which thanked Australia’s WWII veterans for their contribution, achievement and sacrifice on the 60th anniversary of the war’s end.
Salute to Veterans was held in Canberra from 13 - 15 August and was the centrepiece event of commemorations that were planned for State capitals and regional centres across the nation to which all Australians were invited. Salute to Veterans featured Australian Defence Force displays of historic and modern military equipment, as well as displays by current Defence Force units around Lake Burley Griffin and Anzac Parade. It was a very successful weekend
Check out the Seniors Portal Events Calendar for commemorations, exhibitions and shows happening across the country over the coming months, or play the new Seniors Portal interactive trivia game - the Seniors Portal Challenge - and take-up the challenge to test your knowledge of topics such as World War II.
More Information
Want more information on this topic? Check out the following links!
| Department of Veterans’ Affairs |
| Australian War Memorial |
| Australia’s War 1939 – 1945 |
| Battle for Australia |
Contributions
| Contribution Title | Date Posted | |
|---|---|---|
| A ride on a tanker | 7/12/2005 | |
| In memory of... |  | 29/09/2005 |
| My war - wartime service of James 1942 - 44 | | 13/09/2005 |
| A child's view of the war | 6/09/2005 | |
| Some things you never forget | | 17/08/2005 |
| Two proud daughters | | 12/08/2005 |
| A Little Wartime Story | | 20/07/2005 |
| Post World War Two Naval Experiences | | 20/07/2005 |
| Shops | 20/07/2005 | |
| What was it like - living in the Australia of the war years? Part A | 20/07/2005 | |
| What was it like - living in the Australia of the war years? Part B | 20/07/2005 | |
| WWII 1939 – 1945 in Canada | 20/07/2005 | |
