07/05/2026
🎖️ HONOURING THE STRENGTH BEYOND THE UNIFORM: REFLECTING ON VE DAY 🌹
Today, as we mark Victory in Europe (VE) Day, my heart is with our military community. While 8 May 1945 was a day of global celebration, looking back through the eyes of a supporter, I see the incredible weight of service that made that peace possible.
To our current serving members and veterans: when we look at the history of VE Day, we see more than just a date—we see you.
• We see the sacrifice: We remember the 10,000 Australians who never came home from the European theatre, and the nearly 8,000 POWs who endured the unthinkable. Your resilience is the foundation of the freedom we enjoy today.
• We see the grit: In 1945, Victorians gathered in their thousands at the Shrine of Remembrance. Even then, there was a deep understanding that while the war in Europe was over, the battle in the Pacific continued. We see that same dedication in you today—the "job half done" spirit that keeps you going until the mission is complete.
• We see the families: VE Day wasn't just a military victory; it was a moment of hope for families waiting by the wireless in Melbourne and regional Victoria. To the families today who wait, watch, and support—your service is just as vital, and you are seen.
To the "Oddbods" of the RAAF and every Digger who stood against tyranny: thank you. To those in uniform today: please know that your community stands behind you. We don’t just celebrate the victories of the past; we value the people who protect our future every single day.
Today, we pause, we remember, and we say thank you for your service.
Lest we forget.
