SALUTING THEIR SERVICE
CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION
GUIDELINES FOR THE ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION
WHAT ARE CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION?
Certificates of Appreciation are available under the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorations Program. They are a way of expressing the nation’s gratitude to those who served in Australia’s defence forces or on the home front in the Second World War or in wars, conflicts and peace operations overseas since the Second World War.
They do not confer any eligibility for entitlements under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986, the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 or the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988.
WHO CAN APPLY?
• Veterans and those who served in the wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations for which certificates are available.
• Family members on behalf of deceased eligible persons.
WHAT SERVICE QUALIFIES FOR A CERTIFICATE?
Service with Australia’s defence forces in wars, conflicts or peace operations. Service on the home front during the Second World War, or service with Australia’s logistics support in Vietnam, during the specified dates qualify for a Certificate of Appreciation.
HOME FRONT SERVICE:
Home front service qualifies for a Certificate of Appreciation for the Second World War as this was a period of national mobilisation, and there was direct and widespread civilian involvement in supporting the war effort.
LOGISTICS SUPPORT IN VIETNAM:
Logistics support in Vietnam includes for example; RAN ships and Qantas charter crews carrying troops and supplies from Vietnam, Red Cross, Salvation Army workers, medical staff and civilian entertainers supporting Australian service personnel in Vietnam between 31 July 1962 and 11 January 1973.
INFORMATION ON MILITARY SERVICE AND PEACE OPERATIONS:
• Information on military service and peace operations is taken from the Department of Defence (Defence Honours and Awards) website: http://www.defence.gov.au/Medals/
• DVA will undertake an annual review of the ADF website and these guidelines to ensure accuracy of the information.