Afghanistan 2001–2021 recognition of service postcards

Military vehicle in sandy landscape with person sitting on roof of the vehicle holding a weapon.

Commemorate the service and sacrifices of Australians who served in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2021 by writing a postcard.

Series: Recognition of service postcards
Access a designed version to download or print

About this activity

Students are encouraged to learn about the service of veterans who served in Afghanistan and the wider Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO). It is an opportunity to honour their service, reflect on veterans’ experiences and explore their legacy.

Instructions

  1. Download and print the postcard template for each student.
  2. Discuss the experiences of Australians who served in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2021 and the wider MEAO.
  3. Ask students to write a respectful message of thanks, recognition or reflection on the postcard.
  4. Encourage students to use thoughtful and appropriate language that acknowledges the contributions and sacrifices of veterans.

Sharing students’ messages

Choose one or more of the following options to display or share students’ postcards:

  • Contact and send the postcards to a local ex-service organisation.
  • Display the postcards at your school to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan (11 October 2026), Remembrance Day or Anzac Day.
  • Place the postcards at a local cenotaph, war memorial or memorial garden as a tribute to those who served.
  • Present the postcards during a school assembly or commemorative event to promote remembrance and appreciation, and invite a local veteran who served in Afghanistan and the wider MEAO to participate and receive the postcards.
  • Create a classroom or library display showcasing students’ messages of recognition and respect.

Copyright

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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