On Sunday 11 October 2026, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) will deliver a national commemorative service at the Australian War Memorial to commemorate and honour all Australians who served in Afghanistan, the families who supported them and coalition allies they served alongside.
From 2001, more than 35,000 Australians served in Afghanistan and the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) in relation to Afghanistan. In response to the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, Australian forces contributed to a multinational attempt to bring security to Afghanistan, stabilise the wider region, and defeat terrorist activity.
For more than two decades, Australians have also contributed reconstruction efforts focused on creating safe conditions for democratic governance, mentoring and training, and humanitarian aid.
We remember the Australians who lost their lives during or as a result of their service and acknowledge the physical and mental impacts that service has had on many of our veterans and their families.
On 11 October, we invite veterans, families of veterans 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 service in Canberra, watching at home, or taking part in local community commemorative activities, we encourage you to reflect on the service and sacrifices of Afghanistan veterans 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 an evolving, community-led tribute where all Australians can share a contemplation or memory of a loved one connected to the ADF. As the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan approaches, we invite you to share a tribute.
For more information about the national commemorative service, including accessibility and transport options, and to register your attendance (for free), please visit www.dva.gov.au/Afghanistan-anniversary.