Anniversaries
This page provides information on some of the major anniversaries, such as Merchant Navy Day, Battle for Australia Day and the Battle of Long Tan .
This month in history
Find out about upcoming anniversaries at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) website.
Merchant Navy Day
Media Release – VA065 (PDF 47kB)
Background
The Governor-General issued a Proclamation on 24 June 2008 to declare 3 September each year as Merchant Navy Day in recognition of the merchant seamen who served Australia in wartime.
Battle for Australia Day
Media Release – VA057 (PDF 42kB)
Background
The Governor-General issued a proclamation on 19 June 2008 to declare the first Wednesday in September each year as Battle for Australia Day in recognition of the service and sacrifice of all those who served in defence of Australia in 1942 and 1943.
2009: Battle for Australia Commemorations
|
Canberra |
Australian War Memorial, Western Courtyard |
11.00am |
|
Sydney |
Battle for Australia Commemorative Service, Cenotaph, Martin Place |
10.45am |
|
Newcastle |
Battle for Australia Commemoration Service, Cenotaph, Civic Park |
11.00am |
|
Melbourne |
Shrine of Remembrance |
10.45am |
|
Morwell |
Cenotaph |
11.00am |
|
Bendigo |
Comet Hill Primary School |
Wednesday 9 September |
|
Brisbane |
Battle for Australia Memorial – 80 George Street |
10.30am |
|
Perth |
State War Memorial,
Kings Park |
10.30am |
|
Fremantle |
Monument Hill |
11.00am |
|
Hobart |
Cenotaph |
11.00am |
Long Tan Cross, Vietnam
The Long Tan Cross, located in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, approximately 110 km east of Ho Chi Minh City, marks the site of the Battle of Long Tan. The battle, which took place on 18 August 1966, was Australia’s single most costly engagement of the Vietnam War, with the loss of 18 Australian soldiers.