The Returned and Services League of Australia, Washington, DC

Please note that the Gunfire Breakfast is closed. If you did not RSVP and receive a confirmation, you will be unable to attend.

Thursday April 14, 2011 - The Returned & Services League of Australia, Washington DC Chapter, Presents –The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Education Center Noon - 2 pm (Arrive early as the briefing will start at around 12:15). Speaker - Mr. Jan C. Scruggs, Founder and President, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. Where –Amenities room Embassy of Australia, 1601 Massachusetts, Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20036 Valid ID required. Charge - $15.00, including buffet lunch and sodas. Alcoholic beverages- $2.00 each. R.S.V.P. to David Ward on 202-352-8550 or via e-mail at dmward1973 at gmail dot com Attire : Business casual Parking: There is no parking at the Embassy. There is paid public parking behind and under the Airline Pilots Association (17th and Mass) and at 1500 Mass. Ave N.W. Biography - In 1979, Jan Scruggs conceived the idea of building the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., as a tribute to all who served during the longest war in American history. Today, the Vietnam Vete...

On March 7, 2011, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Prime Minister Gillard announced Australia’s Commitment to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Education Center. Several members of the sub-branch were in attendance and had the honor to meet the Prime Minister as well Admiral Mullen and other dignitaries. The following links are provided for those of you who could not be there. Remarks delivered by Adm. Mike Mullen , Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Honorable Julia Gillard, Australian Prime Minister . On March 9, 2011 Prime Minister Gillard addressed a joint session of the US Congress. Her remarks are here.

What is ANZAC Day? ANZAC Day – 25 April – is probably Australia's most important national occasion. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as ANZACs, and the pride they took in that name endures to this day. link ANZAC Day goes beyond the anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli in 1915. It is the day we remember all Australians who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The spirit of ANZAC, with its human qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity. On ANZAC day, ceremonies are held in towns and cities across the nation to acknowledge the service of our veterans. link ANZAC Day in Washington: To mark this special occasion for 2011, the Australian and New Zealand and Embassies...