National Commemorative Service
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| Service: | Nationally broadcast commemorative service to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War |
|---|---|
| Date: | Friday 18 August 2023 |
| Time: | 10:00am: Pre-service program commences 10:30am: Official commemorative service commences |
| Venue: | The Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial, Anzac Parade, Campbell, Canberra |
| Weather | Seating at the site is uncovered and will be exposed to the elements. Typically, August in Canberra can be very frosty with overnight temperatures often falling below zero. Attendees should ensure they come prepared for these conditions. |
| Attendance Passes | If you would like to attend the commemorative service, you will need to register for an attendance pass. Further information about how to obtain a pass will be made available on this page in the near future. If you’d like to be advised once passes are available, please email commemorations [at] dva.gov.au and we will record your details. |
Introduction
In 2023, the Australian Government will mark the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War with a National Commemorative Service in Canberra on 18 August 2023 at 10:30am.
Supporting activities are being developed in close consultation with a national stakeholder consultative group, including Vietnam veterans and representatives of the wider veteran community.
Throughout the year, Australians will be encouraged to honour and remember the service of some 60,000 Australian men and women who served in the Vietnam War and their families. Tragically, 523 Australians lost their lives in the war, and over 3,000 were wounded.
Back to topWhat to expect
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs will deliver a televised commemorative service to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial on Anzac Parade, on Friday 18 August 2023.
The commemorative service will be broadcast live across Australia by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and streamed online. The ABC will also make the broadcast available to other networks to provide all members of the community the opportunity to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War in a solemn and dignified manner from their home.
DVA develops a range of commemorative and educational materials to further help recognise and remember those who served in the Vietnam War. To learn more about Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War, and access these materials, visit our Anzac Portal.
More information about the commemorative service will be available in the coming months.
If you are planning an event or project throughout the remainder of 2023 to commemorate Australian service in the Vietnam War, you might like to consider applying for a grant under the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program (STS). STS provides funding for projects that commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australian service personnel in wars, conflicts and peace operations. The current batch is open for applications, and closes on 13 June 2023. For more information about what is eligible, grant guidelines, and the application form, please visit Grant Connect.
Back to topContact information
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Phone: 1800 838 372
Email: commemorations [at] dva.gov.au