COMMEMORATION OF THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOMBING OF DARWIN

In Darwin, the Governor-General joined around 5,000 people at a Commemorative Service to remember the 243 people who died when the Japanese bombed Darwin on February the 19th, 1942. The Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard MP, the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Tony Abbott MP, and the Lord Mayor of Darwin, the Right Worshipful Mr Graeme Sawyer spoke about the civilians who died on that day 70 years ago, as well as the military personnel and the 89 crew of the USS Peary. After laying a wreath at the Cenotaph with the Administrator of the Northern Territory, Her Honour the Honourable Sally Thomas AM, Ms Bryce spent time with veterans who survived the bombing, most of whom are now in their 80's and 90's. The service included a re-enactment of the defence of Darwin, complete with sirens, guns and rifle fire.