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IMPORTANT DATES and EVENTS National Day of Commemoration for Darwin,
19 February each year The Japanese air raid on this day was the first
major attack on mainland Australia in history. It was greater than the
bombardment on Pearl Harbour and was followed by another 63 raids over 19
months. On 19 February 1942 officially 243 people died, although in
unofficial records up to 1100 casualties are mentioned. During the war bombs
were also dropped on Port Hedland, Broome, Derby, Wyndham, Katherine and Townsville.
ANZAC
DAY, 25 April each year ANZAC Day goes beyond the anniversary of the
landing on Gallipoli in 1915. It is the day we remember all Australians who
served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The
spirit of ANZAC, with its human qualities of courage, mateship, and
sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national
identity. On ANZAC Day, ceremonies are held in towns and cities across the
nation to acknowledge the service of our veterans. |
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Boer War Day, 31 May each year The
Boer War Day commemorates the first war in which Australia fought as a
nation. In 1899 NSW troops were the first to join in this war followed by all
of the other colonies and after Federation in 1901 Australian units took
part. The Boer War was also the first war in which Australians fought
alongside New Zealanders. The
31st May is the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Vereeniging that
ended the South African War in 1902. Boer War Day itself is held on the
Sunday before 31st May to enable working people to attend |
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Korean Veterans’ Day, 27 July each year On this day July 27, Australia
commemorates those who served in the Korean War. A war that lasted from 25
June 1950 until the Armistice on 27 July 1953. This technically brought the
war to an end. However, up till now the situation between North and South
Korea remains unresolved, with hostilities occasionally still occurring. |
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Vietnam Veterans’ Day, 18 August each year The
Vietnam Veterans adopted 18 August as the day to remember all those who
served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975. This day was originally known as
“Long Tan Day”, commemorating the men of D Company, 6RAR, who fought in the
battle of Long Tan in 1966. In 1987 Prime Minister Bob Hawke announced that Long
Tan Day would be known as Vietnam Veterans’ Day. |
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Battle for Australia Day, 1st Wednesday of
September each year On
this day we commemorate the Battle for Australia and acknowledge the bravery
of all those who served on the Homefront protecting our shores during the
Second World War, the first time in history of European Settlement that
Australia came under attack. |
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Remembrance Day, 11 November each year Remembrance Day (11 November) marks the anniversary
of the armistice which ended the First World War (1914–18). Each year
Australians observe one minute silence at 11 am on 11 November, in memory of
those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts |
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Australian military history overview These
short chapters cover Australia's involvement in war, from the time of the
first settlement at Sydney Cove in the 18th century to our peacekeeping roles
under United Nations auspices, the First and Second Gulf Wars and
Afghanistan. This material has been prepared by the Australian War Memorial's
Military History Section.
Source:
AWM, (Australian War Memorial) |