Victory in the Pacific remembered

August 20, 2012 Filed under Community, News Photos Posted by TFA Readers

World War II veteran Mr. Bill Norris OAM, Past Sub ‐ Branch President

Two Sydney-based Filipino Australians and a Filipino Canadian lady fighter pilot joined other City of Blacktown RSL Club’s guests in the service league’s commemoration of Victory in the Pacific Day last Wednesday August 15.

VP Day marks Japan’s unconditional surrender on August 15, 1945, signalling the end of World War II.

Mr. Bruce Scott, Sub – branch President

Commander Rick Palenzuela, PN (retired) and Major Tom Baena RACMP (inactive) of Sydney, and Squadron Leader Jean Johns RAAF stood alongside with past Blacktown RSL Club president Bill Norris OAM, who served in Papua New Guinea during World War II, event guest speaker Flight Lieutenant Samantha Ramsay of the Royal Australian Air Force, and veterans of other armed conflicts.

Sqn Leader Johns is on lateral transfer to the Australian Defence Force from Canada and also now ADF chaplain.

FLT Ramsay’s grandfather served in the war and was a prisoner of war in Singapore.

Commander Rick Palenzuela Philippine Navy (retired), FLT Samantha Ramsay RAAF – ADF, Sqn Leader Jean Johns RAAF – ADF Chaplain and Major Tom Baena RACMP (Inactive).