Jitterbugging and kissing competitions

By the State Library of Queensland

On 15 August 2025, Queenslanders will commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day – a day remembered for Japan’s acceptance of the Allied demand for unconditional surrender, effectively putting an end to World War II. 

On 15 August 1945, Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley announced on radio that Japan had unconditionally surrendered to Allied forces. After three years of brutal fighting, the War in the Pacific was finally over. 

A future free of conflict 

The first VP Day was celebrated with jubilation. Crowds filled streets in towns and cities across Australia to celebrate the much-anticipated end of the war as citizens looked towards a future free of conflict and fear of invasion. To manage celebrations, authorities closed pubs, as they had on VE (Victory in Europe) Day. 

However, this did not dissuade individuals from partying, with crowds gathering in streets and strangers dancing together, including in front of the Criterion Hotel and Anzac Square in Brisbane. 

The Courier-Mail reported that Brisbane was filled with frolicking, jitterbugging, ragtime bands, people banging pots, blowing whistles and firing flares, kissing competitions, soldiers playing two-up, and “pandemonium” reigned. There were “showers of confetti”, and when the sun set, searchlights lit up the city, by which time Brisbane was “delirious on peace night”. 

Visit ANZAC Square & Memorial galleries on VP day 

Today, VP Day remains an occasion to commemorate all those Australians who served and died in WWII, and especially those who served and fought in the War in the Pacific.  

It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about the people, places and stories that shaped Queensland’s war experience. 

One of the best places to do this is Queensland’s main war memorial – Anzac Square & Memorial Galleries in Brisbane. 

Centring on the stunning Shrine of Remembrance and Eternal Flame, Anzac Square & Memorial Galleries offers free guided tours from 1:30-2:30pm daily.

Led by knowledgeable and passionate guides, the tours bring history to life through interactive exhibits and moving stories of courage and sacrifice. 

Please note that bookings are required for all tours.

Learn more

To learn more, or ask about alternative tour times, visit Anzac Square & Memorial Galleries or email anzacsquare@slq.qld.gov.au