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Veterans who served in Afghanistan will now be honoured on a newly established national day of commemoration.
Minister for Defence Peter Dutton has confirmed the establishment of a national day of commemoration to acknowledge the contributions of serving men and women during the 20-year War in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021.
Defence is seeking feedback from ADF personnel and their families, veterans, ex-service organisations and the broader community on an appropriate day for the commemoration.
A website has been set up to facilitate a consultation period, scheduled to run over two weeks, from Monday, 19 July to Sunday, 1 August 2021.
Australia deployed forces to the Middle East in support of the US, which declared war on terrorism following the 9/11 attacks in New York and Virginia.
On 11 July 2021, the last remaining ADF personnel departed Afghanistan, marking an end to Australia’s involvement.
Approximately 30,000 ADF personnel served in Afghanistan, with 41 soldiers tragically losing their lives over the course of the deployment.
The government outlined that it would continue its commitment to peace in Afghanistan with an ongoing diplomatic mission and development programs.
[Related: Australia to depart Afghanistan]
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