A commemorative medallion marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War is available to veterans living in the New England to say 'thank you for your service'.
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The medallion, available to all living veterans who apply, will be presented in a display case and is a gesture of appreciation from a grateful nation to those veterans who fought to protect our way of life in the terrible conflict that ended 75 years ago.
Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the special presentation coincided with the Second World War official commemoration on August 15.
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"The New England has a rich military history and is proud to be the home to veterans from this remarkable generation of Australians who served our nation during the Second World War," Mr Joyce said.
"These people made great sacrifices to defend many of the freedoms we enjoy today here in Australia and it's important we recognise that contribution on this special anniversary.
"I encourage all eligible ex-servicemen and women to contact my office to arrange for the award of a medallion and certificate."
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester said this year's anniversary would hold special significance.
"We recognise that it will be one of the last opportunities we have as a nation to publicly acknowledge the remaining veterans of the Second World War, of which there are around 12,000 still with us today," Mr Chester said.
"These brave Australians served our nation in the far corners of the world, fighting in theatres of war from Europe to North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Middle East, to Asia and the Pacific, with the conflict also reaching Australian shores."
Second World War veterans, or their families on their behalf, can contact Mr Joyce's electorate office on 6761 3080 to apply for a medallion, or online at dva.gov.au/medallion
The Department of Veterans' Affairs will deliver a televised commemorative service to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War from inside the Australian War Memorial on Saturday, 15 August 2020, commencing at 10am.
