Wednesday, 6 March 2013 VA018
CHANGES TO AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL
ROLL OF HONOUR APPLAUDED
The Council of the Australian War Memorial has today agreed to recognise all members of the Australian Defence Force who have died on operational service, including non-warlike operations, on the Roll of Honour.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, applauded the decision of the Council and considers it a timely change as we move towards the Centenary of the First World War and pay special tribute to all those who have served their country.
All the names of Defence personnel currently recorded in the Remembrance Book will be added to new bronze panels to be installed on the Roll of Honour wall in the Memorial’s commemorative area.
“I am pleased the Council has announced these changes today. The Council’s decision reflects the views and expectations of many in the community on this important issue. This will ensure that those who have served our nation with distinction are properly recognised and I know that this decision will be of special significance for the families involved,” Minister Snowdon said.
Media inquiries:
Minister Snowdon’s Office: 02 6277 7820
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203
Coalition welcomes historic decision on the Roll of Honour
The Coalition has today welcomed the announcement by the Council of the Australian War Memorial that peacekeepers are to be included on a Roll of Honour.
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, said the Coalition was pleased that the Memorial’s Council had taken this historic step.
“Today’s decision is an important and historic one”, Senator Ronaldson said.
“The Council has today decided that it will recognise all those Australian Defence Force personnel who make the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their nation be that sacrifice on warlike, non-warlike or peacekeeping operations. This was the right decision.”
“Since 1947, thousands of Australians have served their nation in peacekeeping operations right across the world. Forty-eight of them have made the ultimate sacrifice but, because of the type of mission they were undertaking, were until now deemed ineligible for inclusion on the Roll of Honour.”
“The decision today to ensure these names are etched in bronze on the walls of the Australian War Memorial is the right decision and comes as this nation prepares to commemorate the Centenary of Anzac.”
Senator Ronaldson paid tribute to the dedicated advocacy of veterans and the general public who have called for this change.
“While this decision was ultimately one that only the Council could make, the support for such a move from veterans, peacekeepers and the general public, I am sure, would have weighed heavily on the Council’s deliberations.”
“The Coalition welcomes this decision. The surviving families of the 48 men who gave their lives can now take comfort in the knowledge that their sacrifice will be forever remembered by their inclusion on Australia’s Roll of Honour.”
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