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50th Anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War National Commemorative Service
This year the Australian Government will mark the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War with a national service at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial in Canberra on 18 August 2023 from 10:00am.
The planning and execution of the service and accompanying events have been collaboratively designed with input from a national stakeholder consultative group. This group consists of Vietnam veterans and representatives from the broader veteran community.
The Prime Minister on behalf of the nation launched a special Vietnam Commemorative Medallion to Honour our Vietnam Veterans. Read more here.
The Australian Government, through the Department of Veterans' Affairs, has also created a special commemorative medallion to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War. This strictly limited medallion is only available to Australian Vietnam veterans or their surviving family. Check eligibility requirements and apply for your medallion here.
DVA commissioned the Military Shop to design and manufacture the Commemorative Medallion in October 2022. The medallion's obverse design features the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, with 'Vietnam War' and 'Australia Remembers' inscribed at the top and bottom. The reverse design features a stunning Vietnam motif with “1962-73 on the top rim and “Thank You For Your Service” on the bottom rim.
Throughout the year, Australians are 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.
How To Participate
All attendees planning to attend the service on 18 August 2023 in person are required to register for an attendance pass. Entry to the service will not be permitted without an attendance pass. You can register here. The online registration system for attendance passes will close at 5:00pm on Thursday 17 August 2023.
In the event that you did not register for an attendance pass, Ticketek will be setting up a physical box office facility at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial. This facility will be open from 8:30am on Friday, August 18, 2023, providing an opportunity for individuals to register for an attendance pass or replace any damaged or lost passes.
Attendees are encouraged to plan their journey and arrival times carefully. DVA encourage early arrival to ensure you have sufficient time to progress through ticket scanning and obtain the best possible seat. Attendees who arrive early will also have the opportunity to view the pre-service program, which commences at 10:00am. Attendees with an accessibility requirement are to make themselves known to DVA staff on arrival if you require assistance to be seated. A limited number of wheelchairs will be available.
The service will be broadcasted 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.
Join the Conversation
We're helping Australians of all ages better understand the life and times of our Vietnam Veterans as we commemorate the end of Australia's involvement in the war 50 years ago. We're sharing interesting social bits and pieces from the Vietnam War era to give you a feel of the world back then, but most importantly we're sharing your memories, stories, and pride. Your memories of the Vietnam era; your family growing up in the 1960s and 70s; or stories you have about the life and times of your veteran dad, pop, uncle, or aunt will breathe life into their story. Share your pictures, anecdotes, and memories so others can see our veterans as more than soldiers. We honour, respect and admire, but few know. Help us honour our Veterans.
