Australia is preparing to commemorate the Centenary of Anzac from 2014 to 2018, marking 100 years since our nation’s involvement in the First World War.
Over this period we will remember not only the Anzacs who served at Gallipoli and the Western Front, but all Australian servicemen and women who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
The media reporting suggesting there would be branding of Anzac Day is wrong. There is no such plan for April 25, 2015 or any other year. What is being developed is a specific motif for the centenary program similar to the way a motif was developed for the highly acclaimed Australia Remembers – created to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
The final motif will convey to the Australian community the overall theme for the four year centenary program. The Anzac Centenary Advisory Board, which includes many eminent Australians and is chaired by the former Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, AC, AFC (Ret’d), supports the development of the motif.
It is unfortunate that the public has been mislead by inaccurate media reporting on this subject. The sanctity of Anzac Day will always be protected.
The Hon Warren Snowdon MP,
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Centenary of Anzac
