WWII commemorative medallion officially launched

A special commemorative medallion marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War is now available to every living Second World War veteran to say ‘thank you for your service’.

DESIGN: Obverse: features the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, wording of appreciation and significant theatres of war involving Australian armed forces. Reverse: a central poppy surrounded by ‘Australia Remembers’ and the beginning and end years of WWII.

Announced just three weeks ago, the medallion is now ready for issue.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester launched the medallion and certificate in the lead up to the end of the Second World War commemoration on 15 August, awarding the first medallion in  Sale this morning.

“I am delighted to be in Sale today to present the first of the Commemorative Medallions to an Australian Second Word War veteran, Rose Jackson.

“Rose served in the Australian Army during World War Two and rose to the rank of private.

“She was posted to Bandiana, Victoria after undertaking training and worked in a clerical role.

“Thank you for your service, Rose.”

The medallion, available to all living veterans who apply, will be presented in a display case and is a gesture of appreciation from a grateful nation to those veterans who fought to protect our way of life in the terrible conflict that ended 75 years ago.

“As we approach this special anniversary, we recognise that it will be one of the last opportunities we have as a nation to publicly acknowledge the remaining veterans of the Second World War, of which there are around 12,000 still with us today,” Mr Chester said.

“These brave Australians served our nation in the far corners of the world, fighting in theatres of war from Europe to North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Middle East, to Asia and the Pacific, with the conflict also reaching Australian shores.

“Australia can never fully repay the debt we owe these amazing men and women but, to mark their service, the federal government is producing this Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration for the remaining living Second World War veterans.

Second World War veterans, or their families on their behalf, can apply online at dva.gov.au/medallion or, for those without internet access, by phone on 02 61918217 during business hours.

The Commemorative Medallions and Certificates will be distributed during August.

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