The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that all living World War II veterans are entitled to receive a commemorative medallion marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the conflict on 15 August.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Darren Chester has awarded the first medallion and certificate to Victorian veteran, Rose Jackson.
Mr Chester said the anniversary would be one of the last opportunities to publicly acknowledge the remaining veterans of World War II, now numbering around 12,000.
“These brave Australians served our nation in the far corners of the world, fighting in theatres of war from Europe to North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Middle East, to Asia and the Pacific, with the conflict also reaching Australian shores,” Mr Chester said
“Australia can never fully repay the debt we owe these amazing men and women but, to mark their service, the Federal Government is producing this Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration for the remaining living Second World War veterans.”
He said Ms Jackson served in the Australian Army. She was posted to Bandiana, Victoria after undertaking training and worked in a clerical role.
“The medallion, available to all living veterans who apply, will be presented in a display case and is a gesture of appreciation from a grateful nation to those veterans who fought to protect our way of life in the terrible conflict that ended 75 years ago,” Mr Chester said.
Applications for the medal can be made online to the Department at this PS News link or by telephone to 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).
