New Brisbane memorial honours Afghanistan veterans
The 42 for 42 Afghanistan War Memorial Gardens was officially opened in Brisbane on Saturday 16 October.
The memorial was designed to honour those Australians killed in action during the Afghanistan conflict and those veterans who returned home and have lost their lives to depression, post-traumatic stress and other mental health issues.
Defence Engagement Commissioner Stuart Smith AO DSC said the 42 for 42 Memorial and Remembrance Garden is a Brisbane touchpoint for our veteran community.
‘It provides a space for reflection and commemoration of all who have served in the Afghanistan conflict, but especially for the families of fallen Afghanistan veterans,’ Commissioner Smith said.
‘Like the Afghanistan memorial in Yungaburra, North Queensland, it is a beacon for the wider community to reflect on our values and freedoms.
‘Here lies a marker for the 41 soldiers killed in action in Afghanistan and a 42nd marker for those who have died since their service.
‘I want to commend the President of the non-profit organisation, 42 for 42, Mr Sean Mulqueen, and his indefatigable tribe of volunteers for their work in bringing to life this place of pride where we can reflect on the efforts of all who served in Afghanistan and the continuing challenges many veterans face.’
The 42 for 42 Memorial and Remembrance Garden received a Saluting Their Service grant from DVA to help with its development. The Saluting Their Service grants program helps to preserve Australia’s wartime heritage by supporting a wide range of projects and activities that highlight the service and sacrifice of Australia’s servicemen and women in wars, conflicts and peace operations.
42 for 42 is a non-profit organisation founded by Afghanistan veterans. It is dedicated to supporting the families of fallen Afghanistan veterans, as well as those who have returned from active duty in Afghanistan and their families.
For more information on the memorial, its location, or the 42 for 42 organisation, please visit The Memorial – 42 for 42 Incorporated website. More information about how you can access a Saluting Their Service grant can be found on the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program website.
Clockwise from below: Defence Engagement Commissioner Stuart Smith AO DSC at the opening of the 42 for 42 Afghanistan War Memorial Gardens; Left: President and co-founder of 42 for 42, Sean Mulqueen with Commissioner Smith; a section of the 42 for 42 Afghanistan War Memorial Gardens.
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