Thursday, 6 April 2017

Shrine Highlights VE Day and Friends of the Odd Bods On Its Calendar



The Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne has highlighted VE Day and Friends of the Odd Bods on its list of ceremonies for 2017.

Here is the full entry from their website -


  • Ceremony: 72 ANNIVERSARY of Victory in Europe (VE Day) Incorporating the Friends of the Odd Bods Association

    Monday 8 May 2017, 11:00am
    Wreath Laying on the Forecourt
    Shrine Representatives:
    Shrine Governor Major Maggie More RFD
    Shrine Governor Squadron Leader Steve Campbell-Wright
    RSL VICTORY IN EUROPE REMEMBRANCE SERVICE AT THE SHRINE OF REMEMBRANCE The RSL will hold a State Remembrance Service, in conjunction with the Friends of the ODD BODS Association, at the Shrine of Remembrance on Monday 8th May 2017 to commemorate the World War 2 Victory in Europe On 7 May 1945 the German High Command authorised the signing of an unconditional surrender on all fronts, just a week after the death of Adolf Hitler: the war in Europe was over. The surrender was to take effect at midnight on 8–9 May 1945. The following day, 8 May, was declared VE (Victory in Europe) Day, but in Australia, celebration was tempered with the knowledge that the war in the Pacific was still to be won. Australians serving overseas joined wholeheartedly in the celebrations and Australian prisoners of war in European prison camps were liberated and Australian sailors and aircrew began returning home. While in the major Australian cities there were similar outbursts of rejoicing, overall, the mood across the country was sombre. Churches held thanksgiving services, and on 9 May 100,000 people attended the service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. The Service marks the RSL’s recognition of this important day in our history. It is expected that, the service will attract people of all ages and has special meaning to those who have lost relatives and loved ones during that war. Students from schools are expected to attend.

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