Victory in the Pacific – 80th anniversary 

15 August 2025

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific. 

Victory in the Pacific Day (15 August) commemorates Japan’s unconditional surrender on that date in 1945, which officially ended World War II (WWII). 

Almost one million Australians served in the armed forces during WWII. Many were engaged in the Pacific War (1941-1945) between the Allies and Japan.  

Tragically, more than 39,000 Australians died as a result of their service (approx. 17,000 during the Pacific War), some 66,000 were wounded and 30,000 were taken prisoner – around two-thirds of them by Japanese forces. Of those, an estimated 8,000 died in captivity. 

On the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific, join us in honouring all who bravely contributed to Australia’s war effort.  

Lest we forget. 

Sources: Australian War Memorial, State Library of Queensland 

How Queenslanders celebrated VP Day

When World War II ended, there was singing and dancing in the streets for days.

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A road trip through wartime Queensland

From Cape York to Brisbane, our state is rich in sites of military significance.” 

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Jitterbugging and kissing competitions

The first VP Day was celebrated with jubilation as crowds filled the streets across Australia.” 

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Victory in the Pacific: a reflection in photos 

From a devastated Darwin to Australia’s iconic ‘Dancing Man’.

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