50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War

9 Jan 2023

In 2023, the Australian Government will mark the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War with a National Commemorative Service in Canberra on 18 August 2023.

Supporting activities are being developed in close consultation with a national stakeholder consultative group, including Vietnam veterans and representatives of the wider veteran community.

Throughout the year, Australians will be encouraged to honour and remember the service of some 60,000 Australian men and women who served in the Vietnam War. Tragically, 523 Australians lost their lives in the war, and over 3,000 were wounded.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs will deliver a televised commemorative service to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial on Anzac Parade, on Friday 18 August 2023.

The commemorative service will be broadcast live across Australia by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and streamed online. The ABC will also make the broadcast available to other networks to provide all members of the community the opportunity to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War in a solemn and dignified manner from their home.

DVA develops a range of commemorative and educational materials to further help recognise and remember those who served in the Vietnam War. To learn more about Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, and access these materials, visit our Anzac Portal.

More information about the commemorative service will be available in the coming months.

If you are planning an event or project to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, you might like to consider applying for a grant under the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program (STS).  STS provides funding for projects that commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australian service personnel in wars, conflicts and peace operations.  The current batch is open for applications, and closes on 7 February 2023.  For more information about what is eligible, grant guidelines, and the application form, please visit Grant Connect.

Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Phone: 1800 838 372
Email: [email protected]