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Nation to mark 25 years since first Australian deployment to Afghanistan

BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’

 As the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan approaches, we invite you to join the nation in recognising the service and sacrifices of all who served.

On 11 October 2026, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) will deliver a national commemorative service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, marking 25 years since the commencement of Operation Slipper, Australia’s first Australian Defence Force operation in Afghanistan.

The service will honour all Australians who served in Afghanistan and the Middle East Area of Operations in relation to Afghanistan, the families who supported them, and the coalition partners, including Afghan nationals, alongside whom Australians served.

Attendance at the national commemorative service is free. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be broadcast live on the ABC. For event information, including accessibility and transport arrangements, and to register, visit www.dva.gov.au/Afghanistan-anniversary. 

Share a tribute on the Wall of Remembrance

As we prepare to mark this significant anniversary, we also invite you to contribute to the Wall of Remembrance.

The virtual Wall is an evolving, community-led tribute where Australians can share a personal reflection, memory, or message honouring those who served. Each contribution helps create a lasting tribute to those who served and the families who supported them. 

We encourage you to share information about both the commemorative service and the Wall of Remembrance with your networks, helping more Australians honour and remember the Afghanistan veteran community.

Story courtesy of Department of Veterans’ Affairs 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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