Commemorating WW2, Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam, online teaching resources, symbols of commemoration

Sharing Australia's military and service history through the experiences of our veterans

Look through the Anzac Portal to uncover the experiences of the men and women who have served Australia in wars, conflicts and peace. The hardship of overseas service extends to the family and friends they leave behind. We commemorate their service and sacrifice.

Forward

Honouring Vietnam Veterans

Feature

We commemorate Vietnam Veterans' Day on 18 August, which is also the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. It's a time to reflect on the service of almost 60,000 Australians deployed to Vietnam between 1962 and 1975. Learn more

Phil Orchard's story

Veterans' stories

In commemoration of Merchant Navy Day on 3 September, Phil recollects his life as a merchant mariner. Joining in 1941, he served as a gunner and radio operator. He recalls a strong bond among the ship's company. Listen to his story

Free online teaching resources

Education

We've collated useful resources in one spot to support learning on commemoration and Australia's military history. Online lessons, digital books, videos, podcasts and more for primary and secondary levels. View our resources

Do you have a project that honours veterans?

We offer Saluting Their Service commemorative grants of up to $10,000 for local community projects and $150,000 for larger projects. The next round closes on 7 October. Find out how to apply

Help younger kids learn about commemoration

Resources

Our popular slide deck explains the difference between 'celebration' and 'commemoration'. It explores Anzac Day and Remembrance Day in simple terms for lower primary. Google Slides, PowerPoint and PDF formats. Download your copy

Malaya and Borneo Veterans' Day

Commemoration

Each year on 31 August, we reflect on the service and sacrifice of all Australian military personnel in the Malayan Emergency and the Indonesian Confrontation between 1948 and 1966.

Symbols with a special meaning

What's new

We explain common symbols and traditions that help us to recognise and remember military personnel. You might see them on Anzac Day or Remembrance Day, or at a military funeral. We recently added Flags as a symbol of commemoration.

Free books, education resources and videos

What's popular

Some of your favourites:

Conscription: Great Debates (class activity)
Weary Dunlop: Stories of Service (short film)
Then and Now: Jobs in the forces (digibook)
Australians in Vietnam: In Their Own Words (oral history lesson)
Shifting Tides: Australia and the Pacific (book)

Battle for Australia Day

What's on

On 1 September this year, we commemorate the Battle for Australia. It was the first time that Australia came under direct attack from the Japanese during WW2. We reflect on the bravery of those who served on Australia's home front and on the islands, in the seas and in the skies to the north. It's an important reminder of a challenging time for Australians between 1942 and 1945.

Recognition of significant episodes in Australia's past holds enormous importance to those who have served. We've listed official days of commemoration and other dates that your community may wish to observe. See our special days of commemoration.

Visit the Anzac Portal