Brokaw proposes that it is they who lived through the Great Depression and then either fought or provided the industrial might that was instrumental in winning WWII.

When you think about how much the world was on the brink during their lifetime and how much this generation had to sacrifice, it is hard to argue with Brokaw's sentiment.

As most will already know, this year marks the 75th anniversary since the end of WWII. The scourge of COVID restrictions has meant no meaningful commemorations could be held to mark this significant historical milestone but this should not diminish the significance of the anniversary.

In this war, mainland Australia came under attack by a hostile force for the first time since white settlement and it was the first time we have had to position a force to fend off an advancing invasion.

It was also the time we realised that 'Mother England' could not protect us and we developed an alliance with the United States, an alliance that is critical to our national security to this day.

Not being able to commemorate this significant anniversary in the traditional manner, the Federal Government, through the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), came up with a couple of different ways the public can reflect on this anniversary.

On the DVA website there are 75 stories by 75 veterans or their families telling the story of their experiences during WWII. DVA has also struck a commemorative medallion and certificate to be presented to former service men and women who served during WWII.

DVA states "Acknowledging the significance of the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the DVA will produce a Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration. The medallion and certificate will be made available to every living veteran of the Second World War. While Australia can never repay the debt we owe almost one million Australians who served, this medallion and certificate are a small but meaningful way we can thank living veterans of the largest global conflict of the 20th century."

These must be applied for through the DVA website and the purpose of this article is to urge those who have not yet applied to do so. For those who have access to, and know how to use a computer, the process is simple. All you need is the Service number and name of the recipient.

I have seen a number already presented and I recommend you apply or have someone apply on your behalf as I consider the program will cease at the end of the calendar year.

The medallion makes a lovely family keepsake and the certificate is suitable for framing. Go to www.dva.gov.au and follow the links.

In my capacity as an RSL sub branch president I have applied for these Commemorative Medallions and Certificates on behalf of several WWII veterans in the Nambucca Valley and I am more than happy to do the same for any eligible person who would like me to do so.

Provided you have the Service number and name of the individual you can call me on 0408 167-891. Please think about any family, friends or neighbours who may be eligible - it is the least we can do for the 'Greatest Generation'. Lest We Forget.

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