BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs will host a national commemorative service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on 11 October 2026, marking 25 years since Australia’s military involvement in Afghanistan began.
The date corresponds to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Operation Slipper, the first Australian Defence Force operation in the country.
The service will honour all Australians who served in Afghanistan and the wider Middle East Area of Operations, along with the families who supported them and the coalition allies they served beside.
Registration for the free event is now open at www.dva.gov.au/Afghanistan-anniversary.
Ahead of the anniversary, the DVA is also inviting the public to contribute to its Wall of Remembrance, a community tribute where Australians can share memories or reflections of loved ones connected to the ADF.
The department is encouraging community groups and members of the public to help spread the word about the commemoration.