Message from DVA – 75 years on, we honour the service of all National Servicemen
On 14 February 2026, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will commemorate and honour National Servicemen with a national commemorative service in the Great Hall at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra.This year marks the 75th anniversary of the commencement of national service during the Cold War.
This National Servicemen’s Day we remember the sacrifices made by the more than 280,000 Australians who were called up for national service during the two schemes, the National Service Training Scheme (1951-59) and the National Service Scheme (1965-72).
For more information about this event, including accessibility and transport options, and to register your attendance, please visit dva.gov.au/Nashos75
For all national servicemen, compulsory military service was a major interruption to their young lives, one over which they had no control. As we remember their service and sacrifices, we invite members of the community to submit a personal tribute on DVA’s Wall of Remembrance. The ‘Wall’ is a living, evolving, community-led tribute for all Australians to share a reflection or memory of a loved one connected to the Australian Defence Force. Submitting a tribute is simple and can be completed on your phone. Simply fill out the online submission form, upload a short reflection and attach an accompanying photo. More information about submitting a tribute is available on DVA’s website.
We encourage stakeholders to share details of this national commemorative service with members of the veteran community and encourage community members to support and honour national servicemen by publishing a tribute on the Wall of Remembrance.
