Bombing of Darwin’s 82nd anniversary brings NT to standstill

Thousands were in attendance as Australians, Americans and Japanese gathered to commemorate Darwin’s darkest day. SEE THE PHOTOS.

Thousands of Territorians and invited guests took time across Darwin to reflect on the 82nd anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin.

At the Esplanade, the commemoration was quieter than usual with the ADF not staging the traditional re-enactment.

The significance of the site was not lost on the early morning crowd, however, who gathered at the USS Peary Memorial, dedicated to the American destroyer that perished along with 88 of its crew.

American Consul Brian Bauer said the tragedy of 19 February “paved the way” for a strong alliance today.

“The bonds forged with Australia 82 years ago have never been stronger.”

Commanding Officer of HMAS Coonawarra Captain David Shirvington paid tribute to the American souls lost “in defence” of Australia.

“There were many brave actions that day, but none braver than that of the actions of those on USS Peary,” he said.

“They died fighting alongside friends and allies and they gave their lives fighting in defence of Australia.”

Before laying his wreath, Japanese Consul-General Tokuda Shuichi gave a speech and said the event should not be forgotten.

“As we strive to the future let us remember those who came before us and the sacrifices they made – may they rest in peace.”

Later that morning, more than 1000 ADF members, invited guests, schoolchildren and enjoyed the airconditioning at Darwin’s Convention Centre to remember the hundreds of lives lost.

Assistant Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite said the date signified when Australia’s “frontline” was “thrust into the heart of conflict”.

“As we stand here today under a peaceful sky, it’s hard to reconcile the beauty surrounding us with the horror that unfolded that day,” he said.

“We remember the sacrifice, the fear and the courage that marks that fateful day.”

Mr Thistlethwaite said that Darwin’s darkest day was lost to many.

“Unfortunately, I don’t believe enough Australians understand the significance of the bombing of Darwin. And just how close Australia came to being invaded and the heroics and the bravery of those that defended our nation at that time.”

Scroll down to see photos of the commemorations

Captain David Shirvington as Australians, Americans and Japanese gather before the USS Peary Memorial, Darwin Esplanade, to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Last Post played on the Esplanade. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Consul General of Japan Mr Tokuda Shuichi and Colonel Eriko Nakaoka. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Lia Finocchiaro, Steven Edgington, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy and Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Cpl Simmons Cory, Sgt Mackey Valentino, Cpl Goldman III Alexander and LCpl Luzier Austin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM and Ms Ruth Eirwen Jones. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Australians, Americans and Japanese gather before the USS Peary Memorial, Darwin Esplanade, to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Wreaths were laid at the USS Peary Memorial. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Australian and United States flags. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Cpl Simmons Cory, Sgt Mackey Valentino, Cpl Goldman III Alexander and LCpl Luzier Austin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Police Minister Brent Potter. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Australians, Americans and Japanese gather before the USS Peary Memorial, Darwin Esplanade, to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Flags carried by the United States ceremonial part. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell | City of Palmerston and Lord Mayor of Darwin Konstantine Vatskalis. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Cpl Simmons Cory, Sgt Mackey Valentino, His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM, Ms Ruth Eirwen Jones, Cpl Goldman III Alexander and LCpl Luzier Austin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Senator Malarndirri McCarthy and Solomon MP Luke Gosling at the USS Peary Memorial. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite, Consul General of Japan Mr Tokuda Shuichi, Mrs Tokuda Mariko and Colonel Eriko Nakaoka. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Elected officials in attendance at the Bombing of Darwin commemoration. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Consul General of Japan Mr Tokuda Shuichi. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Captain David Shirvington. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Captain David Shirvington paid tribute to the US sailors lost during the Bombing of Darwin. Photo: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Darwin’s sweltering humidity and sea breeze can’t stop the Marines. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Cpl Simmons Cory, Sgt Mackey Valentino, Lord Mayor of Darwin Konstantine Vatskalis, Cpl Goldman III Alexander and LCpl Luzier Austin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Dheran Young, Ngaree Ah Kit, Chief Minister of Northern Territory Eva Lawler, Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite, Luke Gosling and Brent Potter. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Luke Gosling and Matt Thistlethwaite. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

VeteranÕs Australia NT President Bob Shewring and Vice President of Palmerston and Rural RSL Graham Butterworth as the Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Janet Truong and Lauren Merritt from AJANT as the Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Bert Heynen and Henriette Heynen as the Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ian Armstrong, Helen Sinclair and Graham Helem as the Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Colonel Richard Raymond Canadian Defence Advisor as the Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Le Minh Khoi Ha, Rudainah Yousra, Eve Murray and Chelsea Thompson as the Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Chief Minister Eva Lawler with Darwin Middle School students as the Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Chief Minister Eva Lawler with Palmerston College students as the Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Chief Minister Eva Lawler with Nightcliff Middle School students as the Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

John Haly and Pete Robinson as the Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite and Chief Minister Eva Lawler as the Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM as the Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM and Ms Ruth Eirwen Jones as the Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Natasha Fyles, Chief Minister Eva Lawler, Brent Potter, Dheran Young, Mark Monaghan and Paul Kirby as the Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite as the Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite as the Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Lia Finocchiaro as the Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Lord Mayor of Darwin the Hon. Kon Vatskalis and His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM the Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite, Chief Minister Eva Lawler, Ms Ruth Eirwen Jones and His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM as the Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite as the Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin