A SPECIAL service commemorating the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin will take place on Sunday.
More than 240 people died during two separate attacks when 242 Japanese aircraft bombed the city on February 19, 1942.
A national commemoration organised by the Northern Territory Government will recognise the anniversary with a service at the Cenotaph on the Darwin Esplanade at 9.30am on Sunday, with an air raid siren sounded at 9.58 am to mark the precise time the first attack took place.
The free service is open to the public.
The Australian American Association of the Northern Territory will also conduct a USS Peary Memorial Service.
Minister for Veterans Affairs' Dan Tehan said the attacks had brought the Second World War to Australian shores and we should pause to remember those killed and those who defended Darwin.
"The bombing of Darwin Day has been a national day of observance since 2011 but other towns across Australia's north were also bombed, including Katherine, Broome, Townsville, Wyndham and Cairns," Mr Tehan said.
"Australia has been fortunate that global conflict has rarely reached our shores and the 75th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin is an opportunity to reflect on the lives lost because of the attack and to be grateful for the men and women of our armed forces who fight to defend us.
"On the 75th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin the country will stop, pause and reflect on a significant moment in our history and how it has shaped Australia."
Author talks
The Bookshop Darwin in Smith Street Mall is hosting a panel of authors who have written about the Bombing of Darwin on Monday February 20.
Headlining this event will be Dr Tom Lewis (Zero Hour in Broome, Carrier Attack: Darwin 1942) and Peter Grose (An Awkward Truth: The Bombing of Darwin February 1942).
The event is from 11am-1pm, phone (08) 8941-3489.
For more details of Bombing of Darwin events visit www.territoryremembers.nt.gov.au
