On 11 October 2026, Australia will mark 25 years since the beginning of Australian Defence Force operations in Afghanistan.
A national commemorative service will be held at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra from 10 am, honouring the Australians who served in Afghanistan and the wider Middle East Area of Operations, the families who supported them, and the coalition partners and Afghan nationals alongside whom Australians served.
The service is open to the public and will also be broadcast live on the ABC, allowing people across Australia to take part.
A day to remember
The 25th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of those who served – and the impact of that service that continues today.
For many veterans and their families, the anniversary will bring back memories of people, places and experiences that remain deeply significant.
It is also a chance for the wider Australian community to recognise the contribution and sacrifice of those who served.
A commemorative coin
To mark the anniversary, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs has released a non-monetary commemorative coin recognising those who served and acknowledging the lasting impact of service on veterans and their families.
The coin is intended as a keepsake, similar to a Defence challenge coin.
People attending the national commemorative service can collect a coin at the Australian War Memorial. Those unable to attend in person can register to have one posted to them or collect one from a DVA office following the service.
Share a tribute on the Wall of Remembrance
There is also still time to add a personal tribute to the Afghanistan 25th anniversary Wall of Remembrance.
The virtual wall is a community-led tribute where Australians can share a reflection, memory or message honouring those who served, as well as the families who supported them.
Every contribution adds to a lasting record of the people and stories behind Australia’s service in Afghanistan.
Join the commemoration
Whether you served, supported someone who did, lost someone, or simply want to recognise the service of Australia’s Afghanistan veteran community, the 25th anniversary provides an opportunity to pause and remember.
National commemorative service
11 October 2026
10 am
Australian War Memorial, Canberra
The service will also be broadcast live on the ABC.
For information about the commemorative service, accessibility, transport, the commemorative coin and the Wall of Remembrance, visit DVA’s Afghanistan 25th anniversary information.
