On 15 August, it will be 75 years since Japan surrendered and brought about the end of WWII for Australians.

The state Veterans Minister Shaun Leane said, “Seventy-five years ago on this day, there was dancing in the streets and mass celebrations in Melbourne to mark the end of WWII.” 

In Maldon, the announcement on 15 August 1945 was ‘greeted by the sounding of the town’s sirens. Workers from the recently established shoe factory poured into Main Street and soon young women were dancing in a “ring-a-rosy” down the road. In a short time, the town’s many bells were also ringing out’. (Tony Kane’s ‘Blast from the Past’, TT, 2015)

With more restrictions currently in place to slow the spread of coronavirus, sadly the 75th anniversary will look very different.

But Victorians including those living in areas subject to Stages 3 and 4 restrictions, will be able to commemorate the day and pay tribute to the service of WWII veterans at home and abroad, from the comfort of their own homes.

An online ceremony will be hosted by RSL Victoria and the Shrine of Remembrance on their Facebook pages from 11.20am on VP Day, while that weekend, Victorians can also take part in an interactive digital exhibition WWII at Home: Response, Reflection & Rejuvenation.

The exhibition will profile 18 of Victoria’s most significant WWII sites, highlight veterans’ stories and the impact of the war on the home front.

Some of Melbourne’s iconic buildings and institutions will also take part in the anniversary by holding online exhibitions, such as:

The Shrine of Remembrance’s Imagining Centaur: 31 July 2020-April 2022

The Old Treasury Building’s Women Working for Victory: 12 August-27 June 2021

Museums Victoria’s RAAF in the Royal Exhibition Building: 15 August-30 December 2020

To mark the day, people are encouraged to write a letter to a veteran, share their message for veterans on social media using #victoriaremembers or #VPDay75, or download bunting to place in their window, fence or door.

For bunting, tips and information on exhibitions, visit: vic.gov.au/world-war-2-7th-anniversary