The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has launched a new two-year program to commemorate World War I veterans who died after returning from the war and are buried in unmarked graves.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Darren Chester said the Unmarked Graves of the First World War Program will provide funding to help ex-service organisations, community groups and individuals properly acknowledge veterans’ service at their place of rest.
“Australians owe all First World War veterans an enormous debt of gratitude, and acknowledging their final resting place with a marker recognising their service is a demonstration of that respect,” Mr Chester said.
“While the number of unmarked graves of First World War veterans is unknown, there are many individuals and special interest groups who are passionately committed to ensuring they are identified and commemorated.”
He said the program was an important step in ensuring every veteran who died after the 1918 Armistice was remembered for their service.
The Minister said an estimated 331,800 personnel were deployed during World War I, of which more than 60,000 were killed or listed as missing in action.
He said this left approximately 271,800 service men and women who returned to Australia at the cessation of hostilities, of which approximately 137,000 were wounded.
“Sadly some of those who returned from the Great War ended up estranged from their families and may have struggled with day-to-day living,” Mr Chester said.
“We know that many were buried in unmarked graves across the nation.”
The new program is to be administered through the Office of Australian War Graves which has responsibility for the official commemoration of eligible veterans who died during, or as a result of war.
