Les Cunningham of the Springvale RSL spent VP day having a laugh with some old mates.By Rebecca Fraser
REMEMBERING the good times but not the bad ones, and catching up with good mates, formed a central part of Monday’s Victory in the Pacific commemorations at Dandenong RSL.
The day signified the 60th anniversary of VP day when the Japanese surrendered to the allies and World War II ended.
More than 100 people turned out to commemorate the anniversary and many said the day held a special personal significance.
Ken Steele, a life member of the Springvale RSL, recalled how he celebrated his 21st birthday the day after VP day.
“It looked like the war was going to linger on for a long time so when it finally ended I had a double celebration.
“That is what I remember most about that time,” he said.
Alf Westray, 82, of Dandenong RSL, said VP day was about remembering the few good times that came out of the war such as the camaraderie and lifelong friendships.
“Today brings back the good memories but you don’t think about the bad ones.
“We all knew the war was coming to an end so we saved up all of our grog and made some jungle juice.
“Then when we got the news we all got drunk and celebrated together,” he said.
Reverend Tim Waghorn, of St James Anglican Church in Dandenong, led a prayer at the commemorative lunch and said it was important that the sacrifices of exservicemen and women were never forgotten.
“We must thank them (exservicemen) for their patronage, their courage and thank the troops for the love and passion they had for this country,” he said.
The Dandenong Primary School choir also sang on the day and Alec Kowarzik, the subbranch president of Dandenong RSL, led a oneminute silence before the Last Post was played.
“Today is such an important day as it freed Australia, it freed men held captive on the islands, it freed those of worry back home especially the mothers,” he said.
Mr Kowarzik also thanked the exservicemen for their contribution, achievement and sacrifice and said Monday’s VP day would not only commemorate the end of World War II but also recapture some of the spontaneous rejoicing that took place at the end of the war.
Federal Member for Bruce and Shadow Minister for Veteran’s Affairs Alan Griffin also presented three commemorative medals to Tom Aldrick, Manus McPeake and Clifford Roy Keast for their service to Australia in World War II.
Carma Keast, who accepted the medal on behalf of her late husband Clifford who died eight years ago, said she felt very emotional and proud about the presentation and VP day.
Special Projects officer John Wells, of the Dandenong RSL, and Narre Warren South MP Dale Wilson also spoke.
Mr Wilson presented certificates to all students in the VP day commemorations.A video of interviews with World War II Pacific Star veterans was also screened. Students from Lyndale Primary School, Noble Park Secondary College and Wellington Secondary School helped to produce it.
