WWII Veterans Honoured on VP Day
The 15 August 2025 marked both the 80th Anniversary of WWII Victory in the Pacific Day (the Japanese surrender) and the 80th Anniversary of the ending of WWII.
To commemorate this occasion 12 World War II veterans were invited by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to attend a special Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on VP Day.
Prior to the Last Post ceremony, the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, presented special Governor-General’s Commander-in-Chief Medallions to the other 11 World War II veterans in attendance. The Minister for Veterans Affairs, the Honourable Matt Keogh, was also on hand to greet and acknowledge the VIP guests.
Speaking on VP Day, Minster for Veterans Affairs, Matt Keogh said, “This year, as we mark 80 years since that historic day, we honour the triumph as much as the toll. We remember the courage of not only those who fought in the Second World War, but those who served on the home front, and the families whose lives were changed forever.”
“This special commemorative year I acknowledge all those proud veterans who will join us to commemorate this anniversary, many who have reached their century - who will stand tall in services across the nation as we say thank you.”
RAAF Radar veteran and centenarian, David Westwood was one of the 12 WWII veterans invited by DVA to attend the commemoration service at the Australian War Memorial, accompanied by his wife Edith and his son Ken as carer. WWII veteran and centenarian, Joyce Daymon from Kyneton RSL also attended the commemorative service and was accompanied to Canberra by her carer, Diane Dobson.
David has shared his experience at the commemoration service below (you can also read his account on the AFA Victoria website).
_2.jpeg "VP Day Last Post Ceremony")
Above: The Governor General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn and the Minister for Veterans Affair, The Hon. Matt Keogh MP joined 12 WWII veterans at the special Last Post Ceremony, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. RAAF Radar veteran and centenarian, Mr David Westwood is fourth from the right.
.jpeg "VP Day Last Post Ceremony")
Above: RAAF Radar veteran and centenarian, Mr David Westwood chats with Minister for Defence, the Hon Matt Keogh MP.
.png "VP Day Last Post Ceremony")
Above: WWII veterans representing each of the services lay a wreath at the Australian War Memorial to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. WAAAF veteran, Mrs Joyce Daymon is far left (in red).
.png "VP Day Last Post Ceremony")
Above: RAAF Radar veteran and centenarian, Mr David Westwood (far right) joins other WWII veterans at the special Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial.
.jpeg "VP Day Last Post Ceremony")
Above: WWII veterans are honoured at the special Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII.