BIBLE THOUGHT

“Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.” (Proverbs 18:12 AKJV) Pride destroys. Humility rewards. with the Japanese sinking eight of the 47 ships in the harbour. Eighty minutes later, the second attack started, this time concentrating on the Royal Australian Air Force station, which was further inland.

Attacks would continue on towns across Australia’s north, including Katherine, Broome, Townsville, Wyndham and Cairns, with the final attack on Darwin on November 12, 1943.

Tragically, Australia and its allies lost around 900 people, 77 aircraft and several ships, with many military and civilian facilities destroyed.

In November last year, Darwin hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe—the first visit to Darwin by a Japanese Prime Minister since the bombing raids during the Second World War.

While Australia, and in particularly the Northern Territory, will never forget the events of February 19, 1942, they will remember this historic visit by Mr Abe as a sign of great respect to those who served and died during the Second World War.

On Bombing of Darwin Day we remember and honour all those who served and died protecting our shores more than 75 years ago.

Lest we forget.

DARREN CHESTER, MP