Today, we honour, remember and pay tribute to those who served, those who lost their lives and those whose lives were forever changed in the bombing of Darwin in 1942.
On 19 February 1942, Australia faced its first direct attack on home soil during the Second World War when Darwin became the target of Japanese bombing raids.
Some 240 Japanese aircraft raided the coastal town in two waves with devastating consequences.
More than 250 lives were lost, including members of the armed services, allied personnel, merchant mariners and civilians.
Northern Australia endured almost 100 raids over the course of the Second World War including Broome, Townsville, Horn Island and Wyndham, with 64 raids in Darwin alone, but none as devastating as 19 February.
On this day, we honour those who served, the civilians who lost their lives, and those forever haunted by the devastation.
Their sacrifices won’t be forgotten.
Lest we forget.
