Minister for Veterans Affairs’ Dan Tehan said
Australians will pause and reflect on the 75
th
anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin on 19 February.
More than 240 people died during two separate attacks when 242 Japanese
aircraft bombed Darwin on 19 February 1942.
Mr Tehan said the attacks had brought the Second
World War to Australian shores and we should pause to
remember those killed and those who defended Darwin on
this national day of observance.
A national commemoration organised by the Northern
Territory Government will recognise the anniversary with
a service at the Cenotaph on the Darwin Esplanade at
9.30 am on Sunday 19 February, with an air raid siren
sounded at 9.58 am to mark the precise time the first
attack took place. The Australian American Association
of the Northern Territory will also conduct a USS Peary
Memorial Service.
“The bombing of Darwin Day has been a national day of
observance since 2011 but other towns across Australia’s
north were also bombed, including Katherine, Broome,
Townsville, Wyndham and Cairns,” Mr Tehan said.
“Australia has been fortunate that global conflict
has rarely reached our shores and the 75th
anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin is an opportunity
to reflect on the lives lost because of the attack and
to be grateful for the men and women of our armed forces
who fight to defend us.
“On the 75th anniversary of the Bombing of
Darwin the country will stop, pause and reflect on a
significant moment in our history and how it has shaped
Australia.”
Minister Tehan’s
Office: Byron Vale, 0428 262 894
Department of
Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203
