A SHORT and solemn ceremony was held in Nowra on Saturday, August 15 to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific, commemorating the end of hostilities of World War II.
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A small crowd gathered at the Nowra cenotaph at the Nowra Showground memorial gates at 9.30am to mark the occasion.
Nowra and Bomaderry RSL representatives took part in the service, while Shoalhaven City Pipes and Drums members played Battle O'er.
Wreaths were laid by various RSL members, members of the South Coast Veterans Motorcycle Club, Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips, Paul Ell, who represented Kiama MP Gareth Ward and Doug Ratty on behalf of the Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group.
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While the event was open to the public and attracted around 30 people, strict COVID-19 protocols and pracuations were undertaken.
Bomaderry RSL President Bob O'Grady performed the Ode.
Shoalhaven City Pipes and Drums Pipe Major, Kim von Prott, a current serving member of the Australian Defence Force, said the tune Battle O'er signifies the end of a battle and for soldiers to leave the field of battle.
"It was important for us as a band to come together and recognise such an important anniversary," she said.
"It is a rare opportunity to pay tribute to those service men and women who sacrificed so much."
Band members consist predominantly of current serving or former members of the ADF.
The Shoalhaven City Pipes and Drums were just one of many bands spread across North America, the United Kingdom, and Australia, who commemorated the event at 9:30am in their respective time zones.
Victory in the Pacific Day - or 'VP Day' on August 15, 1945 is commemorated across Australia and the world, as the day World War II ended - when Japan accepted the Allied Nations' terms of surrender.