News
AFL Game to Support Memorial - 15 August 2008
When Richmond and Hawthorn battle it out at the MCG this Sunday 17 August they will be helping build a Memorial for Australian Peacekeepers.
Tigers and Hawks fans will be invited to give a gold coin donation towards an Australian Peacekeeping Memorial to be erected on Anzac Parade in Canberra.
A specially designed Peacekeeping Bear created by Victorian company, Bears Over There, is also being launched on the day. Dressed in a traditional UN blue beret and fatigues, sales of the Peacekeeping Bear will go towards raising funds for the Memorial Project.
The Memorial design is due to be announced in October and the completed Memorial is expected to be dedicated on Australian Peacekeepers Day on 14 September 2009.
Chairman of the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project, Major General Tim Ford AO (Ret’d) said “The launch of the Peacekeeper Bear and the 'tin rattle' at the MCG are to raise funds to support the construction of the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial.
“This Memorial will commemorate and celebrate the past and present contribution of Australian Peacekeeping around the globe, and the very real contribution of Australian military and police in the often hostile and dangerous situations they face on international peace operations. We encourage all Australians to commend and support their role and actions."
Richmond Captain Kane Johnson expressed the thoughts of his team, “All of us running out on the field today are happy to have this opportunity to support our Peacekeepers. We’ll do our best to deliver an entertaining 80 minutes of football and I am sure our fantastic fans will donate generously.”
The Memorial seeks to show that Australia's contribution to Peacekeeping exemplifies Australian values of openness, fairness, egalitarianism, mateship, initiative, and respect for diversity and social justice for all people. As well as honouring the tradition of Peacekeeping the Memorial will commemorate the service of the men and women who have given their lives in the service of others.
For media enquiries and interviews with current and former Australian Peacekeepers call;
Mr Matt Burke, OAM, Vice Chairman,
Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project on 0408 307 824