School Awards – a chance to honour Vietnam veterans

The Service of Vietnam War veterans will be commemorated in the 2023 Anzac Day Schools’ Awards, 50 years following the end of Australia’s involvement in the war.

Opening the awards, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said schools, students and teachers will have the opportunity to learn the stories of Vietnam veterans.

“Throughout next year, we will be honouring some 60,000 Australian men and women who served in the Vietnam War, including the 523 who gave their lives,” Minister Keogh said.

“I encourage schools to reach out to Vietnam veterans in their local communities and find out what it was really like to serve in one of the longest conflicts Australia has been involved in.

“Not only are there great prizes on offer, the awards are a meaningful opportunity for students to connect with veterans and serving personnel to gain a personal understanding of Australia’s wartime past.”

The Anzac Day Schools’ Awards is an annual national competition that honours the service and sacrifice of Australians across conflicts and peacekeeping operations, and inspires students to find out more about our military history.

Entries close on 31 May 2023. For more information, including prizes and entry requirements, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Anzac Portal.

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608