THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Tuesday, 12 October 2010 05/10
Veterans Affairs Minister to attend Korean War
commemorative ceremony
Who:
Minister for Veterans Affairs, Defence Science and Personnel and
Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon and Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal
Mark Binskin, will attend a ceremony at Point Cook honouring Air Force No.
77 Squadrons sacrifices during the Korean War.
When:
Wednesday 13 October, 12.30pm.
Where:
Media should gather at the RAAF Point Cook security gate (on Point
CookRoad) for sign-in.
On 25 June 1950, North Korean forces invaded the Republic of Korea. Sixty
years after the beginning of the Korean War, a ceremony will be conducted at
Point Cook to commemorate the replacement and rededication of a plaque
which honours the contribution of RAAFs No 77 SQN.
The Squadron was the first Commonwealth unit to conduct combat missions
in the war. In all, 41 of the Squadrons personnel died and seven pilots
became prisoners of war.
Editors note:
Media are requested to arrive at Point Cook at 12.30pm to attend the launch
of the Australian International Air Show - Avalon, followed immediately by
the Korean Veterans ceremony.
An Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet will conduct a flypast of the air show
launch at 1.20pm and the commemorative ceremony at 1.35pm, weather
permitting.
The aircraft is planned to approach Point Cook from the south.
Media Contact:
Minister Snowdon: Alice Plate 0400 045 999
Peter Johnson, Defence Public Affairs Victoria/Tasmania 0418 399 780