Marking the end of the Second World War
The 80th anniversary of the Second World War was commemorated in 2025 through a series of special events and public programs.
The Memorial highlighted several significant anniversaries, including VE (Victory in Europe Day on 8 May and VP (Victory in the Pacific) Day on 15 August.
Through a mix of free and paid events, there was an opportunity to deepen understanding of this significant chapter in Australia’s history.
Free on-site events
Free Event
Second World War Highlights Tour
Second World War Galleries, Level 2
Daily, 11.10 am
A free daily tour where our voluntary guides walk through the highlights of the Second World War Galleries.
Free Event
Victory in the Pacific!
Photographic exhibition, Level 2
1 August 2025 - 12 October 2025 | 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
A series of photographs that capture the joy and celebration, coupled with the sombre commemoration which seized Australians, as the nation waved goodbye to The Second World War and welcomed the idea of peace
Interpreting Australia's Second World War: Previewing Anzac Hall
Memorial historians and curators reflect on the significance of Australia’s Second World War and provide a preview of some of the new stories and individual experiences from the forthcoming exhibitions:
- Dr Karl James, “Australia and the Second World War”
- Dr Lachlan Grant, “Anzac Hall preview”
- Emily Hyles, “Australian women at war”
- Garth O’Connell, “First Nations stories, an exhibitions preview”
Past author talks
Author Talk
Kristen Alexander
Historian Dr Kristen Alexander discusses her sixth book, Kriegies: the Australian Airmen of Stalag Luft III.
Author talk
Mark Johnston
Historian Dr Mark Johnston reflects on the experience of Australian service personnel in 1945.
Author talk
Michael Veitch
Author Michael Veitch joined us at the Memorial to discuss his new book, Borneo: The Last Campaign.
Author Talk
Kathleen Reid-Smith
Former intelligence officer and military historian Kathleen Reid-Smith discussed her new book Operation Cleeve, SOEs forgotten wartime tragedy in Thailand.
Author talk
Phil Craig and Christine Helliwell
Phil Craig and Emerita Professor Christine Helliwell discussed their respective works 1945: The Reckoning. War, empire and the struggle for a new world and Semut: The untold story of a secret Australian operation in WWII Borneo.
Author talk
Tom Trumble
Tom Trumble discussed his new book Survival in Singapore.
WM - The official magazine of the Australian War Memorial
We are proud to announce the arrival of WM - the Australian War Memorial's new magazine and website.
You may also like
Second World War
On 3 September 1939, Prime Minister Robert Gordon Menzies announced the beginning of Australia's involvement in the Second World War.
Victory in Europe
On 8 May 1945, Victory in Europe was declared as Germany surrenders after almost six years of conflict that had cost the lives of millions.
Victory in the Pacific
The Second World War officially ended for Australia on 15 August 1945 with Japan's unconditional surrender to the Allies.
Transcribe
Help preserve Australia's history by transcribing records from the National Collection.