In recognition of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, an elected Coalition Government has promised $22 million towards community projects and activities that commemorate this significant period in Australia’s history.
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP, said funding would be available for community initiatives and projects that promote and preserve Australia’s wartime heritage, including upgrades to existing memorials and the construction of new memorials, the installation of flagpoles, commemorative murals, and reflection gardens.
“A few remain of those who served and saved our nation in the Second World War.
“So many families hold with absolute pride the service of their forbears of that dark and precarious time.”
“All of us have a duty to continue to recognise and remember the service of those Australians whose sacrifice preserved everything you have,” said Joyce.
“When the item of memory falls into disrepair, we show our disregard; this fund will work with communities to prevent that.”
The local MP is attending the ANZAC Day services in Canberra today as part of his responsibilities as the Shadow Minster for Veterans Affairs.
Dawn services and marches across the nation would honour the enduring contributions of service personnel at Gallipoli and the 110 years since, RSL Australia national president Greg Melick said.
“The Gallipoli campaign was the first major military action involving Australian and New Zealand forces,” he said.
“They held their ground against almost impossible odds for eight months in the ravines and gullies of that rugged battleground, suffering terrible casualties.
“They fought with endurance, courage, ingenuity, good humour, and mateship.”
Both major parties have cancelled election campaigning for the day, and early voting is also not available today.
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