‘Victory in Pacific’ Day service tribute to remember brave

Victory in the Pacific Day marks Japan’s unconditional surrender to the Allies on August 14, 1945.
“It’s a special time for us to reflect on the important role that Australians played to end the war in the Pacific region,” Mr Yang said.
“It signifies the end of a time when Australia was vulnerable to Japanese invasion; when freedom as we know it was seriously threatened.”
Considering China-Taiwan tensions, is he concerned another war could be looming in the Pacific?
“Yes, I am very concerned,” he said.
Serving in the military for three years in South Korea in the Vietnam War, Mr Yang said North Korea was regarded as an enemy because it was communist.
“Some Lidcombe RSL Sub-branch members also served in the Korean and Vietnam wars, many of whom were in the military for 30 years and have now retired to local nursing homes,” he said.
Moving to Australia 35 years ago, Mr Yang remembers terrifying times in Korea as a child under the Japanese yoke where young women were taken as sex slaves and household grain and bean staples were confiscated to make fuel for Japanese airplanes and copper rice bowls taken to make bullets.
“By commemorating the deceased, descendants can learn, feel and know the lessons of history,” he said.
“Freedom and peace do not come automatically. It takes effort and action.”