Event Description
In response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, Australian military personnel and civilian staff from various agencies took part in campaigns across the Middle East Area of Operations between 2001 and 2021.
On 11 July 2021, the Minister for Defence confirmed all Australian Defence Force personnel had departed Afghanistan, bringing our nation’s longest war to a close.
Australia’s participation came at a terrible cost. Forty-one lives were lost in Afghanistan and two lives were lost in Iraq and Kuwait, while many returned with long-lasting physical and mental trauma.
More than 40,000 Australian Defence Force personnel have served in or directly supported these operations since 2001.
We gather on this day to remember, pray for all whose lives were touched and for peace.
The service is followed by morning tea provided by members of the Hunters Hill RSL Sub-branch.