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PRIME MINISTER
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P J KEATING MP
TWO MINUTES SILENCE
I urge all Australians to observe two minutes silence at midday ( Eastern
Standard Time) next Tuesday August 15 to mark the 50th Anniversary of
Victory in the Pacific Day.
By observing the two minute silence in capital cities, regional centres, country
towns and in the suburbs, we will all express our gratitude to those men and
women who defended freedom and democracy, and delivered peace to
Australia. Together, during those two minutes, we can reflect on the achievements of
the men and women between 1939 and 1945 who united in this great cause.
Approximately 40,000 names of Australians who died during the war are
recorded on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial. About one
million people were under arms and many more people worked tirelessly to
sustain the war effort at home and bring up-families.
Many communities around Australia have already incorporated two minutes
of silence at midday in their VP-Day calendar. I understand some
communities have decided to sound air raid sirens before the two minute
silence as a gesture to mark those war years.
I hope State and Territory Governments, Local Governments, the business
community, church leaders and the union movement will support the two
minute silence and encourage the people of Australia to unite again for this
important 50th anniversary of the end of World War II.
CANBERRA 11 AUGUST 1995