In memory of 1RAR LCPL Shannon McAliney, who died while serving on peacekeeping operations in Somalia on 2 April 1993.

The 21-year-old from Ballina was going out on patrol when another soldier handed him his Steyr rifle to hold. The rifle discharged and the bullet hit Shannon in the stomach at point blank range. Although he was wearing a flak jacket, he suffered massive internal injuries and, despite efforts to treat the wound, he died later that night.

Thank you for your service, Shannon. Rest in peace.

* Photo shows Shannon assisting a Somali woman at a food distribution centre in the Bay Region of southern Somalia during Operation Solace. © Australian War Memorial

Official commemoration annually

Details on timings etc closer to the date

Today we pause to remember the life and service of Captain Peter James McCarthy, of the Royal Australian Corps of Transport, who was killed in action whilst serving on peacekeeping operations in Lebanon on the 12th of January 1988.

Originally an Army Reservist, Peter completed his training in Devonport, Tasmania before transferring to the ARA.

He was one of 13 Australians serving in the Middle East with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) at the time of his death. As part of his role in UNTSO, he was detached to an observation group monitoring the military zone in Southern Lebanon.

Peter was tragically killed on the 12th of January 1988 when his jeep struck a landmine during a routine patrol. He was the first Australian to be killed whilst attached to a UN operation.

Lest we forget.

National Servicemen’s Day, a day where we honour those who have served our nation through compulsory military service.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said it is important to remember these men who put their lives on the line in the service of our country in times of significant need.

“Our nation has seen four periods of compulsory military service, with the most recent two schemes between 1951–1959 and 1964–1972,” Mr Chester said.

“The last scheme was introduced at a time of heightened regional tension with Australia’s ongoing involvement in the Vietnam War and the Government took this significant step to increase the size of Australia’s military.

“This was not full-scale conscription, rather National Servicemen or ‘Nashos’ were chosen from men of 20 years of age using a ballot system held twice a year.

“If your birthday was drawn from the ballot and you met certain security and fitness criteria you could be selected to serve two years in the Army followed by three years in the Army Reserve. In August 1971 the two-year term was reduced to 18 months. ”

From 1964–1972 more than 804,000 men registered for national service, with more than 60,000 called up to serve. Of these, more than 15,000 served in the Vietnam War, where some 200 were killed and more than 1,200 wounded.

“On Tuesday 18 February, Australia will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Operation Hammersley, one of our significant operations in the Vietnam War. This will be an opportunity to remember all those who served in the Operation, including our Nashos,” Mr Chester said.

“I encourage all Australians to take time out to reflect on the unique nature of the service and sacrifice of these men and ensure they are always remembered.”