70th anniversary of Australian peacekeeping

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan today joined current and former peacekeepers and their families for the national service of commemoration marking 70 years of Australia’s involvement in international peacekeeping. 

The national service also included the dedication of the new Australian Peacekeeping memorial on Anzac Parade in Canberra. 

Mr Tehan said Australian peacekeepers had been serving somewhere in the world since 1947. 

“Australia has made a significant contribution to worldwide peace operations, and today we recognise the peacekeepers who have served, and those who continue to serve, in countries around the world,” Mr Tehan said. 

“The new Peacekeeping memorial in Canberra commemorates the courage, sacrifice and service of Australian peacekeepers and it honours Australia’s contribution to international peacekeeping missions since the first UN deployment in 1947. 

“The Peacekeepers’ memorial takes its rightful place alongside the memorials honouring Australia’s contribution in wars. 

“In doing their duty, Australian peacekeepers have put their lives on the line and, sadly, 16 have paid the ultimate price. 

“As a nation we honour the service and sacrifice of every Australian who defends our values and freedoms and today we pay special tribute to our peacekeepers.”