Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA067
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
95th ANNIVERSARY OF THE START OF THE ‘WAR TO END ALL WARS’
On 4 August 1914 German forces crossed the Belgian border and set in train an escalating conflict
that would soon engulf Europe. Australia’s pledge of support to Britain ultimately cost some 60,000
lives in a war that lasted four years and affected almost every household in the country.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Alan Griffin said the 95th anniversary of the beginning of the First World
War was an opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who served in the ‘war to end
all wars’.
“More than 416,000 Australians enlisted in the First World War and of those more than 60,000 lost
their lives on the battlefields of the Western Front, Gallipoli, the Middle East, in the skies above
many of these battlefields and at sea,” Mr Griffin said.
“Some 160,000 Australians returned home injured or ill and Australia’s repatriation system grew out
of our duty of care to these men and women and to the families of those who did not return. We
continue this duty of care today, supporting around 370 war widows of First World War servicemen.
“We are also ensuring our First World War veterans are commemorated through enduring tributes.
“The Australian Government is contributing $10 million over the next four years to establish a
Western Front Interpretive Trail to better tell the story of Australian service in France and Belgium.
The concept will tell Australia’s story to visitors of all nations right across the Front, by working with
communities and with regional and national authorities to improve existing facilities or create
additional ones on Australian battlefields.
“This is long overdue recognition of Australia's contribution and by acting now we can improve
interpretative sites as we move towards the centenary of our involvement in the First World War.
“Each year on Anzac Day thousands of Australians gather at Gallipoli and now in France to honour
those who served in these locations, but also those who served in all of the other wars and conflicts
since. Our commitment to commemorate their service remains strong,” the Minister said.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs hosts several websites on Australia’s wartime history. To learn
ww2australia.gov.au.
Media inquiries: Belinda Cole 0437 863 109
The VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a
week on 1800 011 046.
To receive the Minister’s media releases automatically by email subscribe at minister.dva.gov.au/subscribe.htm
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