Nationwide commemorative service: twenty fifth anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan 2001-2021

On Sunday 11 October 2026, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) will ship a nationwide commemorative service on the Australian War Memorial to commemorate and honour all Australians who served in Afghanistan, the households who supported them and coalition allies they served alongside.

From 2001, greater than 35,000 Australians served in Afghanistan and the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) in relation to Afghanistan. In response to the 11 September 2001 terrorist assaults within the United States, Australian forces contributed to a multinational try and convey safety to Afghanistan, stabilise the broader area, and defeat terrorist exercise. 

For greater than twenty years, Australians have additionally contributed reconstruction efforts centered on creating protected circumstances for democratic governance, mentoring and coaching, and humanitarian support. 

We bear in mind the Australians who misplaced their lives throughout or because of their service and acknowledge the bodily and psychological impacts that service has had on lots of our veterans and their households.

On 11 October, we invite veterans, households of veterans and group members to return collectively and attend the nationwide commemorative service in Canberra. The service shall be broadcast reside on ABC iView for these unable to attend in particular person.  

Whether you’re attending the nationwide service in Canberra, watching at dwelling, or participating in native group commemorative actions, we encourage you to replicate on the service and sacrifices of Afghanistan veterans in a means that’s private to you. 

A novel means you’ll be able to share within the commemorative spirit is by means of a private reflection to our Wall of Remembrance. The ’Wall’ is an evolving, community-led tribute the place all Australians can share a contemplation or reminiscence of a cherished one linked to the ADF. As the 25^th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan approaches, we invite you to share a tribute.   

For extra info in regards to the nationwide commemorative service, together with accessibility and transport choices, and to register your attendance (totally free), please go to www.dva.gov.au/Afghanistan-anniversary.