Next year marks the 75th anniversary of the commencement of the 1951 National Service Scheme.
On 14 February 2026, we will commemorate this milestone with a national commemorative service in the Great Hall at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra on National Servicemen’s Day, honouring the more than 280,000 Australian men who were called up for national service in the 1951–1959 and 1965–1972 schemes.
National servicemen, also known as ‘Nashos’, were an integral part of our armed forces during the 1950s, 60s and 70s, serving in Australia, Borneo, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Vietnam and in the waters off the Korean peninsula.
Whether their service included deployment overseas, or on home soil, each and every national serviceman contributed to the defence of our nation and we acknowledge their dedication to duty and commitment to serve.
On National Servicemen’s Day, we invite veterans, families and community members to come together and attend the national commemorative service in Canberra.
The service will be broadcast live on ABC iView for those unable to attend in person.
Whether you’re attending the national commemorative service in Canberra, watching at home, or taking part in local community events, we encourage you to honour the service and sacrifice of national servicemen in a way that is personal to you.
A unique way you can share in the commemorative spirit is through a personal reflection to our Wall of Remembrance. The ’Wall’ is a living, evolving, community-led tribute for all Australians to share a reflection or memory of a loved one connected to the Australian Defence Force. As National Servicemen’s Day approaches, we invite you to share yours.
For more information about the national commemorative service, including accessibility and transport options, and to register your attendance (for free), please visit dva.gov.au/Nashos75
