Australians come together to commemorate those who have served our nation and its allies in wars, conflicts, and peace and humanitarian operations. Commemorating and recognising military service is a shared responsibility that is not limited to official anniversaries.
Commemorative dates
Australia's calendar of remembrance includes officially gazetted days proclaimed by the Governor-General. These dates are formally recognised by the Australian Government.
Here we've listed those gazetted days and some other popular dates that you may wish to commemorate.
19 February Bombing of Darwin Day
25 April Anzac Day
8 May Victory in Europe (VE) Day
27 July Korean Veterans' Day
15 August Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day
18 August Vietnam Veterans' Day
31 August Malaya and Borneo Veterans' Day
3 September Merchant Navy Day
1st Wednesday of September Battle for Australia Day
14 September National Peacekeepers' Day
11 November Remembrance Day
Anzac Day is gazetted in the Anzac Day Act 1995 as a national event to recognise and commemorate the contribution of all those who have served Australia (including those who died) in times of war and in war‑like conflicts.
National commemorative program
The Australian Government leads several official activities each year to commemorate a few of the many significant moments in Australia's history.
Official commemorations provide recognition, respect and acknowledgement to all Australian veterans. This supports the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) objectives relating to veteran health and wellbeing.
Each year, DVA hosts several commemorative services and other activities to commemorate the service and sacrifices of Australia's veterans and their families:
Some events are held on gazetted dates, such as Anzac Day. Others are held on significant anniversaries, such as the 50th and 100th.
Watch recordings of DVA's national commemorative services in Australia.
Commemorative dates for 2026
We welcome activities by members of the public to recognise and remember veterans' service in their local communities. You could take part in many activities to make a community or personal commemoration.
Apart from the gazetted and popular days of commemoration in Australia, there are many other times when Australians could come together to honour the service of veterans.
This timeline provides a snapshot of where Australians were serving in wars, conflicts, and peace and humanitarian operations over the past 110 years.
Download the Commemorative Dates Flyer for 2026 [PDF 2.1MB]
2021
Five years ago, Australians served in the airlift from Kabul in August 2021. This marked the end of Australia’s 20-year involvement in the War in Afghanistan.
2011
Fifteen years ago, in August 2011, Australia ended its contribution to Coalition operations in the Iraq War. This ended with the withdrawal of the Security Detachment Iraq.
2006
Twenty years ago, Australians were serving in operations worldwide, including:
- Operation Astute in Timor-Leste
- Operation Ramp in Lebanon
- Operation Quickstep in Fiji
- Operation Resolute in areas around Australia for border protection.
2001
Twenty-five years ago, Australians were serving worldwide on peace operations, including in:
- Bougainville with an Australian-led group
- East Timor (Timor-Leste) with the United Nations (UN)
- the Middle East with the UN
- Sierra Leone with the United Kingdom.
Also, 25 years ago, Operation Slipper was established on 11 October 2001. This marked the start of Australia's involvement in the War in Afghanistan.
1996
Thirty years ago, the UN ended peace operations in Rwanda in which some 612 Australians served.
Also, 30 years ago on 12 June near Townsville, 2 Black Hawk helicopters crashed, claiming the lives of 18 ADF members.
1991
Thirty-five years ago, Australian troops began active service in the combat phase of the First Gulf War. After enforcing economic sanctions on Iraq in 1990, they contributed to the liberation of Kuwait and helped protect the Kurdish and Shia populations during the aftermath in Iraq.
Also, 35 years ago, the last Australians serving in UN peace operations in Cambodia were withdrawn.
1976
50 years ago, on 5 July, the first contingent of Australians arrived to serve in UN peace operations in Sinai, Egypt.
1971
Fifty-five years ago, on 19 September, Operation Ivanhoe began during the Vietnam War. The operation included the Battle of Nui Le.
By the end of 1971, most Australian Army combat troops and Navy and Air Force personnel had been withdrawn from Vietnam.
1966
Sixty years ago, on 8 March, the 1st Australian Task Force was established during the Vietnam War. Then, on 18 August 1966, Australians took part in the Battle of Long Tan.
Also, 60 years ago in August, peace was declared in the Indonesian Confrontation, ending Australia's involvement.
1956
Seventy years ago, Australian ground combat operations commenced in the Malayan Emergency.
Also, 70 years ago, the last Australian personnel were withdrawn from South Korea. They had been involved in post-armistice operations that followed the Korean War.
1951
Seventy-five years ago, Australians served in the Korean War, including the Battle of Kapyong (23–24 April) and the Battle of Maryang San (3–8 October).
Also, 75 years ago, the compulsory National Service Training Scheme was established in April and the first intake of trainees in July.
1946
Eighty years ago, in February, Australians began arriving in Japan to serve as part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF).
1941
Eighty-five years ago, Australians were serving in World War II operations in:
- Africa, the Mediterranean and the Middle East
- Malaya
- the United Kingdom and Western Europe
- British waters, including the Battle of the Atlantic.
In November 1941, HMAS Sydney was lost with all hands in the Indian Ocean. It was one of many attacks on Australian shipping during World War II.
1916
Australians began serving in their first battles in Europe and the Middle east 110 years ago:
- on the Western Front, including the Battle of Fromelles and the Battle of Pozières
- in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign, including the Battle of Romani.
Also, 110 years ago, the Royal Australian Navy contributed to the maritime blockade of Germany after the Battle of Jutland.
Other significant anniversaries
Many other anniversaries are recognised by ex-service organisations, veterans' groups, military formations and unit associations. They are important to veterans and help us to remember historical events in Australia's past.
If you'd like to check the dates of significant battles and military events in Australian history, we recommend consulting:
- Australia's official war histories
- Coulthard-Clark, Chris. 2010. The Encyclopaedia of Australia's Battles. Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest.
Get in touch
To ask about our work in commemorations, contact us.