The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce Billson, encourages all Australians to reflect on the service and sacrifices of our World War II veterans tomorrow on the 61st anniversary of Victory in the Pacific and the end of World War II. Mr Billson said 61 years ago tomorrow, on 15 August 1945, Australians welcomed the news that World War II was finally over.

"There were celebrations in the streets as Australians gathered to share in the excitement of war's end. We had endured for six years under the shadow of war and there was rightly a sense of relief and joy that victory had at last been delivered. "As the jubilation subsided, Australians reflected on the lives that had been lost during the war," Mr Billson said.

"About one million Australians served during World War II, with nearly 40,000 losing their lives on active service and more than 30 000 taken prisoner - there would have been few families not touched by the war. Those who served in our armed forces, those who contributed on the home front and those widows who, for many years, looked after husbands who returned and suffered the effects of war - each and every one of them has made a significant contribution to our nation. Tomorrow we pay tribute to those World War II veterans who are still with us, and reflect on those who did not survive the war. We acknowledge their contribution, achievement and sacrifice in all theatres of war," Mr Billson said.

"The nation that we enjoy today has grown thanks to your dedicated service - and your story remains an inspiration to all Australians."