VE Day 2026 - Odd Bods Service at Shrine

This years VE Day service at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne was conducted in the central, sacred heart of the Shrine - The Sanctum. The Sanctum provides a powerful opportunity for contemplation, and is befitting a ceremony that celebrates the end of the most destructive conflict in European history, and particularly the role of Australians in that conflict.

The commemoration was hosted by the Odd Bods, attended by Ms. Paule Ignatio, Consul General of France in Melbourne, Mr. Graeme Plumridge, Shrine Governor, representatives of veteran associations, and members of the public.

Secretary Greg Smith gave the address, Vice President Bruce Waxman OAM laid the wreath, and Gary Elliott, Susanne Bennett, and Robyn Bell attended on behalf of the committee. Newest member, Phillip Anderson also attended. A copy of the Odd Bods address can be found here - VE Day Address 2026. 

PHOTOS: with thanks to Gary Elliott

Greg Smith proudly shows his Father's
Legion d'Honneur medal to French
Consul-General, Paule Ignatio.

 

L-R: Phillip Anderson, Greg Smith, Bruce Waxman, Robyn
Bell, Susanne Bennett, Ed Bartosh (American Ex-Servicemen's Association)

Victory In Europe Day at The Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne Friday 8th May 2026

Back in the 1950's The Odd Bods established a special service at The Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne to remember, and celebrate the official ending of the War in Europe on 8th May, 1945.

The day has special significance for Odd Bods, and all those who served in the WW2 European theatre of war. It was the day that the blackout curtains came down, and servicemen and women dared to dream of going home.

The Odd Bods have conducted a service at The Shrine each year since, and this coming Friday (8th May) we will present an address, lay a wreath, and remember VE Day in the Sanctum of The Shrine at 11am. All are welcome.