London’s calling Aussie veterans

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, earlier this week encouraged Australian Bomber Command veterans to register with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Association for a $3,000 grant to attend the Bomber Command Memorial dedication in London on 28 June 2012.

“The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has been working with the Royal Australian Air Force Association to ensure funding is provided for veterans to make the trip to London and commemorate the Bomber Command Memorial dedication alongside veterans of other nations,” Mr Snowdon said.

The federal government is also sending a commemorative mission of up to eight Australian Bomber Command veterans.

Veterans nominated for the official commemorative mission have self-nominated or been proposed by ex-service organisations and will undergo comprehensive medical checks to assess their suitability for travel and participation in commemorative activities.

“Given the age (late 80s/early 90s) of the veterans and the distance of travel, these trips require significant logistical resources and support. Our priority is to make sure we provide a high level of care for veterans and as part of that, we send a doctor and a nurse with the mission along with support staff to provide around the clock assistance,” Mr Snowdon said.

“The federal government is committed to supporting veterans in attending commemorative services around the world. In the past 12 months, this has included leading missions to Greece and Crete, Republic of Korea and most recently Malaysia and Singapore.”

According to Mr Snowdon, the government has adopted a widely accepted and consistent approach for the commemoration of significant anniversaries and events.

Mr Snowdon said, in relation to media reports about the New Zealand delegation, the Government of New Zealand had yet to announce the number of veterans it would send to the dedication.

For those veterans travelling separately, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will work with the Australian High Commission in the United Kingdom to provide as much assistance as possible.