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.
Amen Sid 250 dead but hundreds or thousands injured that are not considered.A gold card might help injured soldiers get help to relieve back pains and serious hearing issues. But Matt maybe you could help.
Yes Matt, I must concur with Sid Breedon , issuing a Gold Card to those of us that served in the50s would be most welcome, as some senior physical ailments raising their ugly heads now such as hearing and back and knees could be attributed to the basic training and its conditions, like a hessian bag with just straw filling for a mattress.
Your influence would be appreciated
Don Clatworthy
6/01/2026
Yes Sid I served in the Navy in the 1954 Macquarie intake and we were sent to Japan to bring back 77 Squadron from Japan and in doing so we were giving 11 Days overseas service so we were given the right to War service homes but no medals so later on I was found to have a lung problem and receive a Gold Card in 1956 intakes were sent over seas to the help English Navy and they were issue with the ADM and the same as we got war service I hope this will help you with your search of the early NASHOS
Regards Alex
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