National Commemorative Service to honour Nashos
On 14 February 2026, National Servicemen’s Day, a National Commemorative Service in Canberra will mark 75 years since the inception of the 1951 National Service scheme.
The service will be held in the Great Hall at Australian Parliament House in Canberra starting at 10:30 am.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said more than 280,000 Australians were conscripted into Australia’s armed services through National Service schemes between 1951 and 1972.
“The schemes were a product of significant global and regional conflicts facing Australia following the Second World War,” Minister Keogh said.
“Some 250 Australians lost their lives during this time of national service.
“National service was compulsory for most of the young men who served, and this National Commemorative Service is an important opportunity for all Australians to come together to recognise the service and sacrifice of all Australia’s ‘Nashos’.
“We owe them a debt of gratitude that cannot be repaid.”
Anyone interested in attending the National Commemorative Service in Canberra can register their attendance for free via the DVA website, here.
The service will be broadcast nationally on the ABC and available to watch on ABC iView.
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Australian War Memorial file photo
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Good to see our 1950s cohort recognised – Matt Keogh saying “We owe them a debt of gratitude that cannot be repaid”. We can be Matt … provide those few of us remaining with a Gold Card!
I note the photo is not of our 1950s Nashos – we had Lee Enfield 303s and khaki webbing and short pattern gaiters.
That date was selected years ago by committee decision, as told to me by the president of the National Servicemen’s Association, Major Earle Jennings.
Why on earth have they picked the 14th of February for National Service Day when the 14th February is Valentines Day?
Regards
Brian Hastie
Western Australia