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Re: Former POWs Mark War's End

From: POW-MIA InterNetwork

Date: August 16, 2003

"Former POWs mark war's end
By ALISON ANDREWS

Nearly 30 former Australian World War II prisoners of war and their families gathered at the Launceston Cenotaph yesterday to commemorate one of the most important days of their lives - August 15, the end of World War II.

Cressy former POW George Green spoke at the short ceremony and long-time Tasmanian returned servicemen's padre Canon Des Tyson led the service.
Many POWs regard yesterday as one of the most significant of Australia's commemorations and would like to see it marked in the same way as Anzac Day and the end of the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
"If you've been a prisoner of war, August 15 is the big day, mate," said Scottsdale former POW Ray Denney.
"It's when your life changed from being a prisoner to being free."
?Japan remembered the end of World War II with official ceremonies that proclaimed the nation's commitment to peace.
At a memorial service for the more than three million Japanese who died in the war, which ended with Japan's surrender 58 years ago yesterday, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi voiced regret for the destruction inflicted by his country and vowed to uphold the tenets of pacifism in its post-war constitution.
"On behalf of the people of Japan, I again express my profound remorse and sincerely mourn the victims," Mr Koizumi said.

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