Tuesday 31 May 2005
Veterans Affairs Announces Ballot For VJ Commemorations
VJ day this year, August 15 2005, will mark 60 years since the Allies announced the surrender of Japanese Forces during
World War II.
The Allies had delivered Japan an ultimatum to surrender on 28 July 1945. When this was ignored, the US dropped two
atomic bombs on Hiroshima on 6 August and Nagasaki on 9 August; six days later Japan surrendered to the Allies.
The Allies celebrated victory over Japan on 15 August 1945, although the Japanese administration under General Koiso
Kuniaki did not officially surrender with a signed document until 2 September. Both dates are known as VJ Day.
Veteran's Affairs New Zealand (VANZ) invites applications from veterans to join the contingent travelling to the Pacific
to commemorate the anniversary.
The contingent will be chosen by ballot and applications will be accepted up until 5pm Friday 30 June 2005.
Veterans will be eligible for the ballot if they have served as a member of the New Zealand Armed Forces in the Pacific
Campaign, in one of the following:
The New Zealand Navy, Army or Air Force; or
The New Zealand Merchant Navy; or
As Coastwatchers in the Pacific.
Further details of the ballot including an application form can be obtained by calling 0800 483 8372 or at the Veterans
Affairs website
ENDS