15 August each year marks Victory in the Pacific (VP) – the anniversary of Japan’s surrender to the Allied forces in 1945, which brought an end to the Second World War. For many Australians, it is a day of remembrance for the almost 40,000 men and women gave their lives during the conflict, and countless more returned home carrying the lifelong impacts of service.
Last Friday, this year’s 80th anniversary was commemorated across Sydney with moving services that honoured those who served. Representatives from our organisation had the privilege of attending three key commemorations: the RSL NSW Victory in the Pacific service, the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway Victory in the Pacific service, and the Victory in the Pacific Day Twilight service.
RSL NSW Victory in the Pacific service
The RSL NSW Victory in the Pacific Service was held at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, 15 August 2025. Hundreds gathered to commemorate the occasion, including WWII veterans and their families, alongside the Governor of New South Wales, the Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese, and RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge. Our CEO Renee Wilson was able to attend this event and lay a wreath upon the Cenotaph on behalf of the organisation.
Eighty years ago, Martin Place was filled with thousands of Australians marking the end of WWII. It was a day of celebration and relief, but also deep sadness for the families whose loved ones would never return. Holding the service there carried that history with it, reminding us of both the joy of peace and the cost at which it was won. Renee reflected in writing on the significance of the location, she shared, “Sitting in the site that 80 years ago was full of every emotion we can experience from grief and loss to relief to safety, belonging and joy is a moment I won’t soon forget.”
She went on to acknowledge the sacrifices made by veterans and their families, noting that days like this remind us of “the privilege of the peace that was won for us.” Renee shared her thoughts and appreciation for this service more on LinkedIn which you can read here.
Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway Victory in the Pacific service
The Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway Victory in the Pacific Service on 15 August 2025 was well organised and had the support of volunteers. It included the Governor of New South Wales, an ADF honour guard, speeches, and a wreath laying ceremony by representatives as well as local school children. War widow and member Lynne Sullivan was able to lay a wreath on behalf of the organisation along the Memorial Centrepiece.
The Governor provided the VP Day address, with special acknowledgements to the WWII veterans and WWII war widows present. A particularly moving tribute of the service was the visual reflection ‘At Wars End’, the large display screen showing a compilation of images and video recordings of the celebrations that filled the streets when the war had officially ended. An attendee present even saying “this was the best service I have ever attended.”
Both fellow war widows Mary Palframan and Betty Bull were present at the service, meeting each other for the first time and building a friendship so easily from their shared experiences and once again proving that the bonds between war widows is both unbreakable and powerful. The Governor was delighted to spend a moment to chat with them, never able to forget the resilient women that are war widows.
Victory in the Pacific Day Twilight service
The Victory in the Pacific Day Twilight service was held at the Anzac Memorial on 15 August 2025, attended by our State President Queen Dunbar along with fellow war widows. The service included reflections on Sydney’s home front during the war, with the Governor of New South Wales present alongside WWII veterans Valerie Ireland and Grace Wood. The evening concluded with the symbolic lighting of the searchlight, illuminating Sydney’s sky just as it did 80 years ago.
Across these three commemorations, one message was clear: the peace and freedoms we enjoy today were hard won and must never be taken for granted. By remembering the courage, sacrifice, and service of WWII veterans and their families, we honour their legacy and recommit ourselves to ensuring their stories and sacrifices are never forgotten.
