Remembrance Park will be the setting for the ‘Victory in the Pacific’ service on Sunday as Lidcombe RSL Sub Branch President Steve Yang receives a veteran’s tribute.
Ahead of August 15, the 78th Anniversary of Victory in the Pacific, the surrender of the Japanese and the end of World War II, Lidcombe RSL Sub Branch President Steve Yang will meet with veterans, politicians and residents at Remembrance Park for a commemorative service this Sunday, August 13, from 11am. During World War II, more than 27,000 Australians died fighting around the world and 23,000 were wounded.
“On Sunday, we will remember those veterans and those who sacrificed themselves to bring us the victory of freedom and peace,” Steve said.
“This is a special time to honour the important role Australians played in bringing an end to the war.
“It marks the end of an era when Australia was vulnerable to Japanese aggression at a time when freedom and peace around the world were gravely threatened.”
Steve was in Korea and served in the Vietnam War fighting the Japanese for three years, with most of his colleagues also serving in the military beyond that and some are now in local nursing homes.
“I moved to Australia 35 years ago but still remember the horrors of the war,” he said.
“Young women were taken into sexual slavery, grains and beans from homes were confiscated to be used as fuel for Japanese planes and even copper rice bowls were taken to make war bullets.
“By remembering the deceased, descendants can learn from that history.
“Freedom and peace do not come by themselves. It takes effort and action.”
All are invited to the VP Day Service with a complimentary lunch to follow at Dooleys Regents Park Sports Club.
RSVP for catering: LidcombeSB@rslnsw.org.au, 8745 6193 or Steve on 0478 025 650.
