Marking the end of the Second World War Cindy.Luu Mon, 24/03/2025 - 09:17 80th Anniversary #005fbe Designed Approved Join us as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War through a series of special events and public programs. The Memorial will highlight 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 is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of this significant chapter in Australia’s history. Free on-site events Second World War Highlights Tour Second World War Galleries, Level 2 Daily, 11.10 am Join our free daily tour at 11.10 am, where our voluntary guides take you through the highlights of the Second World War Galleries. Enquire at the visitor information desk (Level 0 and Level 2) Explore the Galleries Find out more 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. Online exhibition View exhibition Author Talk: Phil Craig and Christine Helliwell Theatre, Australian War Memorial 15 October 2025 | 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm Join Phil Craig and Emerita Professor Christine Helliwell in conversation as they discuss 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 Find out more Interpreting Australia's Second World War: Previewing Anzac Hall Symposium 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: Australians in Bomber Command, Sydney Harbour under attack, and The battle of Milne Bay which will be on display in the new Anzac Hall. 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” Symposium Watch the livestream 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 Watch the livestream Author Talk: Mark Johnston Historian Dr Mark Johnston reflects on the experience of Australian service personnel in 1945. Author talk Watch the livestream Author Talk: Michael Veitch Author Michael Veitch joined us at the Memorial to discuss his new book, Borneo: The Last Campaign. Author talk Watch the livestream 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. EXPLORE - 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. Explore today at https://wm.awm.gov.au/ Read more Performances 21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel and the nurses of the Vyner Brooke Season performance dates: 24 July – 3 August 2025 Location: Theatre, Australian War Memorial Join us for 21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel and the nurses of the Vyner Brooke. A moving live performance that honours the strength, resilience, and sacrifice of Australian women during the Second World War. Greater Love: Second World War Memorial Concert Date: 15 August 2025 | 7 pm  - 10 pm Location: Llewellyn Hall, ANU School of Music, Canberra Join this powerful commemorative concert to mark the declaration of peace in the Pacific 80 years ago. Explore more - 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. Learn more. Read more 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. Learn more. Read more Victory in the Pacific The Second World War officially ended for Australia on 15 August 1945 with Japan's unconditional surrender to the Allies. Learn more. Read more Transcribe Help preserve Australia's history by transcribing records from the National Collection. Get involved today. Read more