Gallery: Territory marks 80th anniversary of Bombing of Darwin

Large crowds gathered at the Darwin Esplanade today to mark 80 years since the city came under attack.

MARKING the 80 year anniversary of an event which will never be forgotten, people streamed into Bicentennial Park with wreaths, water, hats, and camp chairs ready to settle in for a morning of reflection and to pay their respects to the fallen soldiers and civilians of the Bombing of Darwin and WWII.

More than 5000 members of the public descendants, survivors, evacuees, veterans of war filled the park for the historic ceremony.

The young and the old proudly wore their war medals, whether it was theirs or family members who had passed, a sense of pride was written across their faces.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner at the 80th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Floss Adams

Prime Minister Scott Morrison addressed crowds at the 80th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Floss Adams

Major Kaye Viney area officer for Salvation Army NT attended the ceremony on the behalf of the Salvation Army to pay their respects to those who protected Darwin and lost their lives.

“I think it’s important for Australia to know how close the war did come to Australia and the efforts that people up here went to keep it safe,” Major Viney said.

Despite the humid conditions, Canberra climate pollies braved the heat in their suits and withstood to pay their respects and acknowledge the tragedies and devastations that took place.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison spoke of the devastation which met the land the ceremony attendees gathered on.

“The onslaught was met with many acts of bravery, corsage and compassion.

“The Bombing of Darwin was the site of 64 air raids on the Top End which continent until November 1943”

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Originally published as Gallery: Territory marks 80th anniversary of Bombing of Darwin