Australia Marks 80 Years Since Pacific War Victory with National Tributes
Canberra, August 15, 2025 – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today joined veterans, families, and community members in solemn ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Pacific War’s end, honouring the bravery and sacrifice of Australians who served during the conflict.
Addressing the gathering, Albanese spoke of the nation’s collective memories from August 1945 — a time when streets filled with cheers, relief, and celebration as news of victory spread across the country. Yet, he also reminded Australians that the joy was tempered by grief for those who never made it home.
“On this day, we remember the courage of everyday Australians who rose to meet extraordinary challenges,” the Prime Minister said. “We think of their unity, their endurance, and the spirit that carried them through hardship. We recall the joy of that victory — and we also remember the silence that followed for families who lost loved ones.”
The commemoration included a national moment of silence, wreath-laying at memorial sites, and reflections on the enduring values of resilience and mateship forged during the war years.
Communities across the country held parallel events, from schools and local halls to Returned and Services League (RSL) clubs, ensuring that the legacy of those who served in the Pacific remains a living part of Australia’s national identity.
“Eighty years on, we honour their memory,” Albanese concluded. “Lest we forget.”
