Today, the Prime Minister and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs launched a commemorative medallion to honour those who served in the Vietnam War.
The medallion is a small but meaningful way to honour the service of Vietnam veterans and to recognise the sacrifice of those who never returned home and that of their families.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Some 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War, more than 3,000 were wounded and 523 tragically lost their lives. We must honour those who served and the families that support them.
The medallions are available for every veteran, and can be applied for by Vietnam War veterans, widows of veterans and other family members of veterans.
The launch of the medallions continues the Australian Government’s recognition of this significant anniversary throughout 2023, culminating in a national commemorative service on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, 18 August 2023.
For more details on the commemorative medallion, including how to apply, or for more information about the other commemorative events planned, visit the DVA website.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“This year, as we mark 50 years since the role of Australian troops in the hostilities in Vietnam came to a close, let us acknowledge your service and sacrifice.”
“Your experiences during and after the war are a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served our country and the debt of gratitude we owe each and every one of you.”
“These medallions are a small but meaningful way to honour your service – to recognise the sacrifice of those who never returned home, and of those who did, and endure the scars of service.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh:
“This was a war that was at times contentious at home, and for some veterans their service not recognised as it should have been.
“To each and every one of our Vietnam veterans: We honour you. We thank you.”
Vietnam War commemorative medallion and certificate
To acknowledge the 50th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will produce a Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration.
The medallion and certificate will be made available to every living veteran, widows of veterans and other family members of veterans of the Vietnam War. Please note that only one medallion is available per Vietnam War veteran. While Australia can never repay the debt we owe to the 60,000 who served in Vietnam, this medallion and certificate are a small but meaningful way to honour their service and to recognise the sacrifice of those who never returned home.
The obverse design will feature the Commonwealth Coat of Arms with ‘Vietnam War’ inscribed at the top and “Australia remembers’ at the bottom. The medallion reverse design will feature words of thanks at the bottom with the years 1962-73 inscribed at the top to represent the years in which Australia was involved in the Vietnam War. The medallion also features a UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” Helicopter, a depiction of HMAS Sydney (III) “Vung Tau Ferry” and an Australian soldier holding an SLR.
The medallion will be presented in a display case and will include a card that explains the design and contains a brief expression of thanks.
The design of the commemorative certificate will complement the medallion. The design includes the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, ‘Australia Remembers’ wording and includes the signature of both the Governor-General and the Prime Minister.
The certificate will be contained within its own folder, allowing for independent display, framing and mounting.
Applications can be made online at National Mail & Marketing through the button below:
If you are having difficulties with your application and require assistance please phone 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) between 9am and 5pm AEST Monday to Friday and when prompted say the word ‘medallions’.