Commemorative medallion awarded to Maranoa second world war veteran

August 24, 2020

A special commemorative medallion marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on 15 August is now available to every living Second World War veteran in Maranoa to say, ‘thank you for your service’.

Marana MP David Littleproud today presented the first veteran from Maranoa with his medallion and is encouraging all local Second World War veterans to apply.

“Maranoa has a rich Second World War history and is proud to be the home to veterans from this remarkable generation of Australians who served our nation during the Second World War,” Mr Littleproud said.

“I was honoured to present 97-year-old Lionel Larsen with his medallion today to acknowledge his service and hear of his remarkable experiences.

“Lionel served in the Air Force in New Guinea during the Second World War and can still recount the day he rode his bicycle three hours from Dalby to Toowoomba to enlist.

“I sincerely thank Lionel and all Maranoa veterans for their service and the huge sacrifices they made for our country and way of life.

“As a community we must ensure the stories of our veterans live on, and that we never forgot the role of all Australians who served overseas or on the home front in the Second World War.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said that while more than one million Australian men and women fought during the Second World War campaigns, incredibly, around 12,000 veterans who served during the Second World War are still with us today.  This will be one of the last opportunities we have as a nation to publicly acknowledge this special group of Australians.

“These brave Australians served our nation in the far corners of the world, fighting in theatres of war from Europe to North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Middle East, to Asia and the Pacific, with the conflict also reaching Australian shores,” Mr Chester said.

“Australia can never fully repay the debt we owe these amazing men and women but, to mark their service, the Federal Government is producing this Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration for the remaining living Second World War veterans.”

“I encourage all veterans, or their family members on their behalf, to apply to receive a medallion and certificate as a special thank you from a grateful nation for all they have done.”

Second World War veterans, or their families on their behalf, can apply online at dva.gov.au/medallion or, for those without internet access, by phone on 02 61918217 during business hours. The Commemorative Medallions and Certificates will be distributed during August.