Locals and visitors to the Canberra region are again able to visit and experience the solemnity of the Australian War Memorial following its re-opening to the public today, 1 July 2020.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said with the ACT easing coronavirus restrictions and school holidays starting this week, it is a great opportunity to visit the Memorial and learn about our wartime history.
“As we approach the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on 15 August, I encourage those in the region to visit the Memorial and learn about the close to one million Australians who served and the sacrifices they made-both at home and overseas,” Mr Chester said.
“The Memorial is at the centre of the nation’s tribute to the sacrifice of the more than 102,000 Australians who died serving their country, and to all those who served overseas and at home.”
Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja said the Memorial re-opening was welcome for Canberrans who would like to visit the Memorial over the school holidays, and for veterans and their families.
“The Memorial is one of our great institutions and it is important to ensure that the service and sacrifice of our armed forces are properly appreciated and honoured,” Senator Seselja said.
The Memorial is reopening to the public in accordance with a COVID-safe business plan to ensure the safety of staff and visitors, with visitors required to book free, timed tickets to visit to ensure social distancing can be maintained on site.
Separate free, timed entry tickets to attend the Last Post Ceremony will also be made available. The Last Post Ceremony today will honour Private Leslie James Hanlon who served during the Second World War and tragically died as part of the Operation Oboe landings on 1 July 1945.
