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General News

14 August, 2020

Special medallion for World War 2 veterans

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War a new medal has been made available to every living Second World War veteran

By Phil Brandel

Special medallion for World War 2 veterans - feature photo

VP day (or victory in the pacific day) is today August 15. This is the day in which Imperial Japan surrendered in World War II, in effect bringing the war to an end.

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War a new medal has been made available to every living Second World War veteran to say ‘thank you for your service’.

Minister for Veterans Darren Chester launched the medallion and certificate last week in the lead up to the end of the Second World War commemorations.

“As we approach this special anniversary, we recognise that it will be one of the last opportunities we have as a nation to publicly acknowledge the remaining veterans of the Second World War, of which there are around 12,000 still with us today,” Mr Chester said.

“These brave Australians served our nation in the far corners of the world, fighting in theatres of war from Europe to North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Middle East, to Asia and the Pacific, with the conflict also reaching Australian shores.

“Australia can never fully repay the debt we owe these amazing men and women but, to mark their service, the Federal Government is producing this Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration for the remaining living Second World War veterans.”

The medallion is available to all living veterans who apply and will be presented in a display case and is a gesture of appreciation from a grateful nation.

Sergeant Phillip William English from 6 Service Flying Training School from Malanda said he joined the airforce after seeing a flying display in 1942

“I was in Malanda when the troops arrived and I saw a couple of planes putting on a flying display, wheeling and diving and from the moment on I decided to join the airforce once I turned 18.”

Sergeant English said he was on a break when he heard the news about the end of the war.

“I was in South Australia on a break as we had been training on Lancaster bombers.”

“We had mixed feelings when we heard about the surrender as we didn’t know what the future held.”

“After we heard the news we went back to the base to join in the celebrations, about a month later I was demobbed.”

Second World War veterans, or their families on their behalf, can apply online and by phone during business hours.

The Commemorative Medallions and Certificates will be distributed during August.

To apply online go to https://militaryshop.com.au/ or phone 02 61918217

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