AFL and NRL honour Second World War veterans

For the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, DVA partnered with the NRL and AFL to commemorate the service and sacrifice of our Second World War veterans.
 

Close-up of the commemorative medallion (front and back) with the black display case and card.

Both organisations showed their support by acknowledging the anniversary on their social media channels and before matches.

Two NRL games took place on the eve of the anniversary. The Parramatta Eels faced the St George Illawarra Dragons and the New Zealand Warriors faced the Penrith Panthers. The kick-off for both games was decided by a special coin toss, which featured the Second World War Commemorative Medallion produced by DVA.

The following day, on 15 August, Australia marked the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. In the game between Fremantle Dockers and Carlton, the AFL acknowledged our Second World War veterans by also using the Commemorative Medallion for the coin toss.

The Commemorative Medallion and Certificate is available to every living veteran of the Second World War.

One side of the coin features the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, wording of appreciation and identifies by name theatres of war that saw the significant involvement of Australian armed forces. The medallion’s reverse side has the poppy as the central symbol surrounded by the words ‘Australia Remembers’ and the beginning and end years of the war.

Applications can still be made online by visiting the portal. If you don’t have access to the internet, you can phone 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).

The AFL umpire throws a coin up into the air while two opposing AFL players look on. They are all standing in the middle of an oval surrounded by a large stadium.

Umpire David Harris uses the Commemorative Medallion for the coin toss in the AFL match between Carlton and Fremantle, while Fremantle captain Nathan Fyfe (left) and Carlton co-captain Sam Docherty look on. Photo courtesy of the AFL.

Three rugby league players, posing with the commemorative medallion and standing in a corridor.

From left to right: NRL Panthers captain James Tamou, Adam Gee (referee), Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.