Veterans of Milne Bay and Kokoda invited to Canberra

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan is calling for nominations from Australian veterans who served in the Battles of Milne Bay, and Kokoda and the Beachheads to attend the commemorations for the 75^thanniversaries of the battles, in Canberra.

FILE PHOTO by Warrant Officer Class Two Gary Ramage.

DVA will arrange for return travel and accommodation for veterans and an accompanying carer from their home locations.

Mr Tehan said than on the 75^th anniversaries of the Battles of Milne Bay, and Kokoda and the Beachheads Australia would reflect on the service and sacrifice of the men and women who served in the Southwest Pacific during the Second World War.

“These commemorations are aimed at showing the nation’s gratitude to the veterans of Milne Bay, and Kokoda and the Beachheads for their brave service in defence of our nation and values,” Mr Tehan said.

Nominations are open to Australian veterans who served in Milne Bay between 25 August and 7 September 1942 to attend the 75^th anniversary commemoration in Canberra on Friday 25 August 2017.

Nominations are also open to Australian veterans who served on the Kokoda Track and the battles for the beachheads at Buna, Gona and Sanananda between 22 July and January 1943 to attend the 75^th anniversary commemoration, to be held in Canberra on 2 November 2017.

Both anniversaries will be commemorated with a Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Veterans who served in both theatres of war are welcome to apply to attend both commemorations. Nominations will close on Friday 16 June 2017.

DVA will arrange for return travel and accommodation for successful applying veterans and an accompanying carer from their home locations.

Full details about the commemorations in Canberra and the nomination process are available on the DVA Website.

Alternatively you can contact DVA on 02 6289 6057 during business hours.

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