THE HON PETER DUTTON MP
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
Mr Michael Van Berg MC OAM
Chair and National President
The Royal Australian Regiment Corporation
[email protected]
Dear Mr Von Berg
Australia deployed our forces to the Middle East in 2001 following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States. Now, two decades on, the last of our service personnel have departed Afghanistan. Their service and sacrifice have helped to save Australian lives from terrorist attacks on our own soil.
As I announced on 1 1 July 2021, the Australian Government would like to formally commemorate the service and sacrifice of our Defence personnel and their families, who served in, or supported, operations in the Middle East Area of Operations between 2001 and 2021.
A National Day of Commemoration would be a focal point for recognition of all those who served in, supported, or lost their lives during these campaigns. Noting the significance of this, it is important to seek the views of veterans and their families on the most appropriate day to commemorate this service.
A dedicated webpage has been established to seek views on a National Day of Commemoration, with the consultation period open until 1 August 2021 . The website can be found at https://www1.defence.gov.au/events/national-day-commemorationaustralian-involvement-middle-east-area-operations
I welcome your support in distributing this information widely through your existing networks to provide every opportunity for the voices of veterans and their families to be heard.
I thank you in advance for your support.
Yours sincerely
Peter Dutton
Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Telephone: (02) 6277 7800
