Townsville welcomes veterans for VP80 commemorations

Veterans, families and residents will come together this week to commemorate 80 years since Victory in the Pacific.

Townsville City Council is hosting a range of VP80 events from tomorrow in partnership with the Queensland Government and with the support of the Australian Government through Department of Veteran Affairs grant funding.

Townsville will also welcome World War II veterans from across the country and special guests from the US Fifth Air Force as part of the commemorations.

Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said there was a way for every member of the community to get involved in 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 said.

“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 said the Parade of Heroes was an important commemoration of one of the most important days in Australian history.

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

“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 more information on VP80, visit Council’s What’s On Townsville website.

What’s on

Friday

• 9:45am Tree planting for Captain Bill MacIntosh, Townsville’s most highly decorated 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 at the 5^th USAF memorial at Kissing Point – Jezzine Barracks
• 7pm VP80 Dinner Under the Stars (sold out)

Saturday

• 11am – 4pm Community Open Day – Defence and Historic vehicle displays, museum tours, food trucks, 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 current aircraft – The Strand
• 5:30pm VP80 concert – 1 RAR and 5^th USAF Band plus The Pacific Belles – Strand Park
• 7:30pm VP80 Sky Salute – pyrotechnics display – 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