Commemorating service

Commemoration recognises veterans’ service and demonstrates your support for the veteran community.

It also helps to:

• show respect for your veteran employees
• give civilian staff the opportunity to learn about veteran experiences.

Guidelines for commemoration

The below tips can guide your approach to commemorating service in the workplace.

Consider employees’ preferences

If you are planning to acknowledge a commemorative day or hold a service, check in with your veteran employees. Ask if they would like to be involved in commemoration, and if so, how they would like to be involved.

It is good practice to hold commemorations in the workplace. However, some veterans may wish to commemorate privately. Don’t assume that all veterans will want to take part.

Be mindful of language

Consider the language used when discussing commemorative days and conducting commemorative services. Language should convey your respect for those who have served and remember those who have died in service. 

Commemoration, not celebration

Anzac Day and Remembrance Day are days for commemoration and remembrance, not for celebration. Be mindful how you speak about the day. It is important to express solemnity and gratitude for service. 

Use of the word ‘Anzac’

There are some regulations around the use of the word ‘Anzac’. You should be aware of how these regulations might apply to your commemorative events, fundraising activities or other initiatives. 

In certain circumstances, you may be required to apply to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for permission to use the word ‘Anzac’. Refer to Protecting the word ‘Anzac’ for more information including Use of the Word 'Anzac' Guidelines. You can also read the Protection of the Word ‘Anzac’ Regulations 1921.

Commemoration in the workplace

Here are some ways your organisation could recognise days of commemoration in Australia.

Acknowledge days of significance

Acknowledge days of significance for commemoration in the workplace. These include Anzac Day (April 25) and Remembrance Day (November 11). You could, for example:

• send out a staff-wide email
• have a minute of silence
• hold a fundraiser for a not-for-profit organisation that supports veterans
• invite a veteran to speak to staff
• send a personal message to veteran staff.

It is important to note that Anzac Day and Remembrance Day are not the only significant commemorative days. Some other days of commemoration are listed on the Anzac Portal.

Hold a commemorative service

Commemorative services are an important way to acknowledge commemorative days and remember those who have served. You might hold your own service in the workplace or choose to attend or provide support to commemorative services in your community.

Seek to involve veterans or current ADF members in your service, if possible. Consider inviting ADF members or veterans from outside your organisation, such as from your local RSL, to participate.

This resource provides a list of activities to help you plan your own service.