VJ Day this year, August 15, will mark 60 years since the Allies announced the surrender of Japanese Forces during World War II. Veterans Affairs New Zealand is organising a contingent to travel to the Pacific to mark the anniversary, and has invited veterans to enter a ballot to join the commemorations.
Veterans who served in the New Zealand Armed Forces in the Pacific campaign were eligible to enter the ballot.
The commemorations will be held in Solomon Islands, and New Caledionia. A street parade will be held in Wellington to mark VJ Day, and veterans who don't feel like marching in the parade will be transported in the Army's light operational vehicles. A 100-person tri- Service guard will welcome the veterans, who will be invited to afternoon tea at Parliament after the ceremonies.