Australia's Commitment
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard spoke on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to announce the Australian government’s $3.3 million gift to build the Education Center at The Wall. This is the first government institution to donate to the Education Center, and the first foreign gift the Center has received.

“The Australians were our steadfast allies during the Vietnam War,” said Scruggs. “We are gratified that the Australian people feel so deeply about helping us build the Education Center at The Wall, to honor all who served and sacrificed during that war. We welcome their partnership once again in this important endeavor.”

Australia and the United States have a history of friendship and mutual support that goes back to the last century. Australians fought beside U.S. service members in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the current conflicts. During the Vietnam War, Australia sent its Army, Navy and Air Force to assist in the war effort, including nearly 42,000 Army, just under 13,000 Royal Australian Navy (RAN), and over 4,700 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) personnel. In all, 521 Australian service members died as a result of the war, and more than 3,000 were wounded.

 

The Prime Minister's Announcement

 

The Prime Minister's Announcement from Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund on Vimeo.

Full Ceremony

Australia's Commitment to the Education Center from Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund on Vimeo.

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    The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund takes our stewardship of your donations seriously. The programs we fund are designed to help us achieve our mission of preserving the legacy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, promoting healing and educating about the impact of the Vietnam War.