Honouring those who served in Afghanistan 25 years on

A national commemoration service will be held in Canberra on Sunday, 11 October 2026 to honour the service and sacrifice of those who served in Afghanistan, 25 years to the day from when the first Australian boots landed on Afghan soil.

The national service will be held at the Australian War Memorial and will be open to Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans, families and members of the public who wish to pay their respects to those who served in Australia’s longest-running conflict.

On 11 October 2001, Australian forces were deployed to Afghanistan under Operation Slipper, contributing to the International Security Assistance Force, a multinational mission to combat terrorism, to stabilise and reconstruct the country.

Over the next two decades, more than 35,000 Australians served in Afghanistan or in support in the Middle East Area of Operations.
The Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial records the names of 47 Australian Defence Force personnel who died as a result of their service in Afghanistan. Some 263 Australians were also wounded.

The 25th anniversary commemoration will be an opportunity for all Australians to express their respect and gratitude to those personnel who put themselves in harm’s way.

Registration for the national commemorative service is free. For more information, including how to register, as well as accessibility and transport options please visit 25th anniversary of Australian Service in Afghanistan 2001-2021.

The service will also be broadcast live on ABC iview.

Visit the Anzac Portal to learn more about Australian service in Afghanistan. 

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