Honouring those who served in the cause of peace
A national commemorative service took place in Canberra in September, marking the 75th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in international peacekeeping.
Australians were an important part of the first peacekeeping mission in 1947, deploying as United Nations military observers to the Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia). Since that time, Australian peacekeepers have served in locations around the world, from the Middle East to Africa, Southeast
Asia, the Pacific and many others.
More than 66,000 Australian men and women have served in more than 60 international peacekeeping operations since 1947. Tragically, 16 have lost their lives.
On 14 September, hundreds of peacekeeping veterans and families, dignitaries and current-serving members of the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Federal Police gathered to honour the service of our Australian peacekeepers over three quarters of a century.
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh gave the Commemorative Address, remarking on the important role Australian forces, police and civilians have played over the decades.
‘For three quarters of a century, Australians have served around the world in the cause of peace. Their contribution to the international community has been significant, and in the case of some operations, enduring,’ Minister Keogh said.
As a peacekeeping veteran herself, DVA Secretary Liz Cosson AM CSC was honoured to present the Veteran Reading at the service.
‘To have been a peacekeeper is something in which to take great pride,’ Ms Cosson said.
The service took place at the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial on Anzac Parade in Canberra and was broadcast live on the ABC. The service is available to watch via the ABC’s iView streaming service.
