Townsville welcomes veterans for VP80 commemorations

Veterans, households and residents will come collectively this week to commemorate 80 years since Victory within the Pacific.

Townsville City Council is internet hosting a spread of VP80 occasions from tomorrow in partnership with the Queensland Government and with the help of the Australian Government via Department of Veteran Affairs grant funding.

Townsville will even welcome World War II veterans from throughout the nation and particular company from the US Fifth Air Force as a part of the commemorations.

Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney mentioned there was a method for each member of the neighborhood to get entangled within the VP80 commemorations.

“There is no doubt that Victory in the Pacific was one of the most significant moments of the 20^th century. As Australia’s largest garrison city, we’re proud to be able to host the 80^th anniversary of this significant event right here in Townsville,” Cr Greaney mentioned.

“It’s particularly special to be able to welcome World War II veterans to our city as part of these commemorations. Their sacrifice is one that is deeply respected and understood by the people of Townsville.”

Premier David Crisafulli and Minister for Veterans mentioned the Parade of Heroes was an vital commemoration of probably the most vital days in Australian historical past.

“On August 15, 1945, Australians spilled onto the streets to celebrate the formal end of the Second World War,” Premier Crisafulli mentioned.

“The war had exacted a terrible toll on our nation, and events such as the Parade of Heroes are important to remember the enormous sacrifices made by Queenslanders to achieve peace.

“Queensland remains at the forefront of Australia’s Defence story as the home state to the nation’s largest population of veterans.”

For extra data on VP80, go to Council’s What’s On Townsville website.

What’s on

Friday

• 9:45am Tree planting for Captain Bill MacIntosh, Townsville’s most extremely adorned WWII veteran with the Acting Mayor and Capt. MacIntosh’s daughter Helen – Anzac Park Cenotaph
• 10am Commemorative Service & Wreath Laying – Anzac Park Cenotaph
• Midday Re-enactment of the War Is Over speech – Flinders Street
• 3:30pm Joint US and Australian Commemorative Service on the 5^th USAF memorial at Kissing Point – Jezzine Barracks
• 7pm VP80 Dinner Under the Stars (bought out)

Saturday

• 11am – 4pm Community Open Day – Defence and Historic automobile shows, museum excursions,  meals vans, exhibitors – Jezzine Barracks
• 4pm – 5pm Exercising Freedom of Entry to the City with 5^th USAF – The Strand from Strand Park to Landsborough Street
• 4pm – 5pm Parade of Veterans in Vehicles with 3 RAR Pipes & Drums, marching contingents from 3^rd Brigade and RAAF Townsville – The Strand from Strand Park to Jezzine Barracks
• 5pm Aircraft flypast – Historic and present plane – The Strand
• 5:30pm VP80 live performance – 1 RAR and 5^th USAF Band plus The Pacific Belles – Strand Park
• 7:30pm VP80 Sky Salute – pyrotechnics show – The Strand

Sunday

• 9am 31^st Battalion Association Annual Commemorative Service – St James Cathedral
• 10am – 11am Pilgrimage to the Townsville War Cemetery – Belgian Gardens
• 3:45pm Pre-game veterans’ tribute at Cowboys Home Game – Queensland Country Bank Stadium