LIVING HEROES - VP60 EVENT PROGRAM

Friday, August 12th to Monday, August 15th 2005

Living Heroes - VP60 is a Townsville City Council event that will mark the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War II celebrated on VP Day, August 15th.

FRIDAY 12TH AUGUST 2005
8.15am Sunlander Train Arrival
New Railway Station
The Sunlander Train will depart Brisbane on August 11th and arrive in Townsville on August 12th. Train Bookings – Telephone Queensland Rail on 13 22 32. On approach to Townsville, the train will be joined at Stuart and escorted by a convoy of military and vintage vehicles.

The train will arrive at the new Townsville Station at 8.15am Friday with the public invited to welcome our travelling Veterans. Upon arrival, the Veterans will be met by the community before being conveyed to the old Townsville Station for a welcome function hosted by Queensland Rail.
5.30pm - 7.30pm “Reveille” Civic Welcome Reception
Victoria Bridge
Hosted by the Mayor of Townsville, Cr Tony Mooney, Veterans and Home Front Workers will be welcomed to the city and celebrations at a gala Civic Reception on Victoria Bridge. This event is the commencement of formal celebrations over the coming four days and will also signify the turning on of the city wide searchlights which will light the skies over the four nights.
SATURDAY 13TH AUGUST 2005
10.00am - 3.00pm Jezzine Barracks Open Day
Military Museum Kissing Point
An open day at Jezzine Barracks hosted by 11th Brigade. The day will feature displays and demonstrations as well as tours of the Military Museum at Kissing Point. Veterans will be the special guests of the day. Free entry to the public.
3.00pm - 5.00pm VP60 Sea and Sky Show
The Strand
On the beach and in the sky, Townsville’s famous Strand will come alive with aerial displays by civil and military aircraft, parachute displays and beach activities while the foreshore fills with spectators for the Parade and Sky Show.
5.30pm Living Heroes Street Parade
The Strand
Veterans and their families will take pride of place in the Living Heroes Street Parade along The Strand. The Parade will consist of our Veterans, Home Front Workers, families and descendants of Veterans, current serving military personnel, military and historic vehicles, community groups and floats.
7.30pm The Port of Townsville VP60 Sky Show
The Strand
A spectacular aerial display along The Strand culminating in the largest pyrotechnics display ever staged in North Queensland.
8.30pm The Townsville Bulletin VP60 Concert
The Strand
As Sky Show concludes, Strand Park will host a performance of music of the 40’s. The songs of Vera Lynn, Tommy Dorsey, The Andrews Sisters and Big Band Swing music will feature in a one hour show to cap off a fantastic night of memories.
SUNDAY 14TH AUGUST 2005
9.00am Veteran's Breakfast
Picnic Bay Headland
An informal breakfast overlooking the Coral Sea. This gathering will afford the opportunity for representatives of local community groups to meet Veterans.
10.30am Joint USA - Australian Service at 5th USAF Memorial, Unveiling of Plaque - C47 Disaster Ceremony
Kissing Point
A plaque will be dedicated to the memory of lives lost in the worst World War II crash in Townsville of C47 Aircraft in Cleveland Bay.
11.30am Veteran's Meet and Greet BBQ
Jezzine Barracks, Rockpool
Veterans informal BBQ lunch at Jezzine Barracks, Kissing Point where the public are invited to attend to meet and talk with the Veterans.
1.00pm Dedication Ceremony - Porton Landing Memorial
Anzac Park
A Memorial Stone will be dedicated to the memory of lives lost in action in Australia’s last watercraft landing at Porton in Papua New Guinea.
2.30pm Ceremony - RAAF Catalina Disaster Memorial
Location to be Confirmed
A Memorial Stone will be unveiled in memory of the RAAF Catalina disaster in Cleveland Bay in 1943.
3.00pm VP60 Memorial Tree Planting
Location to be Confirmed
Trees will be planted as a living memorial to our VP Heroes at a public planting attended by Veterans and school children. An avenue of 60 trees will be planted commemorating VP60.
5.30pm Combined Ecumenical Service
Strand Park
Overlooking the Coral Sea and open to the public and all Veterans and families, this non denominational service will pause and reflect on the lives lost in the Pacific War, giving thanks for those lives and the peace which was gained.
Sunday Alternate Events and Tours
Veterans will also be offered alternate activities on the Sunday, including historical site tours, unit reunions, museum and memorabilia displays, city tours, Cotters Market or rest and recovery.

Transport will be provided from Anzac Park and from the Veterans Visitor Centre at the Old Train Station all day at the Veteran's calling.
MONDAY 15TH AUGUST 2005
VP Day - Anniversary of the Declaration of Peace in the Pacific in 1945.
6.00am Dawn Service
Anzac Park
A Dawn Service of Remembrance at Anzac Park with the laying of wreaths by civic, ex-service, military and overseas representatives.
7.00am Breakfast
Anzac Park
An informal breakfast at the park.
9.00am Schools VP60 Service
Anzac Park
A Service of Remembrance planned and hosted by school children. Wreath laying and tributes to the fallen will be made.
10.00am Morning Tea
Flinders Mall
Veterans, families, school children and city workers will gather in the mall in preparation for the morning’s ceremonies.
11.0am Re-enactment of the Peace Announcement
Flinders Mall
Mayor Tony Mooney will re-enact the announcement on the 15th August 1945 declaring Peace in the Pacific. A tickertape celebration will follow with music of the era.
Noon Presentation of Medallions and Certificates
Centre Stage, Flinders Mall
Veterans and families will be presented with commemorative medallions and certificates of attendance.

Program Enquiries and Registration:
VP60 Office, PO Box 1268, Townsville QLD 4810