The Informer: VP Day reminds us there will once again be cause to dance in the streets

Today marked the date Japan surrendered to the Allies, effectively ending World War II.

The fall of Singapore would cast a long shadow on the men who were interned as prisoners of war in Singapore and Japan.

But on August 15, 1945, the news spread fast and the streets were filled with loved ones dancing and celebrating.

The next day, newspapers across Australia shared details. The Maitland Mercury in the NSW Hunter region had been up and running for more than 100 years and was already entrenched in its community. "End of the Japanese War", its headline read.

Today, Australian dignitaries gathered in Canberra to commemorate Victory in the Pacific.

In his address, Prime Minister Scott Morrison reflected on "a great victory that changed the course of our history".

"A country of seven million united and became one in a mighty national effort to defend human civilisation from the bullies who sought to destroy it," Mr Morrison said. "Everyone played their part. Australia wasn't alone. We stood with allies and friends".

In Victoria, daily case numbers have started to gradually decline, although some who have been caught flouting restrictions have cited 'conspiracy' theories as their reason for not taking COVID-19 seriously.

For instance, a conspiracy-touting Truganina man was found in Box Hill, on the other side of the city and well outside the permitted 5km travel radius.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews warned against lockdown fatigue as the virus-hit state appears to turn a corner on case numbers.

"The signs are encouraging but it is not over," Premier Daniel Andrews told reporters on Saturday. "There is a long way to go and the only thing that wins if we get fatigue, if we were in any sense to give up ... is the coronavirus."

Overseas, flare-ups of COVID-19 in Europe have caused an increase in business closures, mask orders and restrictions, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged Turkey and Greece to open a direct dialogue with one another to de-escalate an energy row in the Mediterranean.

Amid the disruptions COVID-19 has caused this year, the anniversary of WWII reminds us that even after the most dire situation, there will always be reasons to dance in the streets.

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