Seventy-five years ago, the first cohort of young Australians were registered under the 1951 National Service Scheme. On Saturday, 14 February, we honour their service and that of all those who followed. The RSL will be in attendance at the national commemorative event to honour the service and sacrifice of more than 280,000 Australians called up for national service in the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s.

The RSL is the custodian of Australia’s national memory and the ANZAC tradition. We have an enduring responsibility to honour those who have served and sacrificed. For more than a century, this custodianship has been central to the League’s purpose.

In communities across the country, the RSL works to ensure the stories of service are not lost to time. Thank you to all the sub-branches undertaking important commemorative projects in 2026.

In his first Remembrance Day message as RSL Australia President, Peter Tinley has asked all Australians to unite and ‘remember to remember’ by observing a minute’s silence at 11am on Remembrance Day, to honour the fallen and also those who have bravely served our country with many continuing to serve today. 

The RSL and its State Branches have officially launched the 2025 Poppy Appeal. In the lead up to Remembrance Day on 11 November, RSL Australia urges the nation to purchase a poppy so the RSL can continue its work supporting veterans and their families across the country.

Today, members of the public, media representatives, and officials gathered at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra to commemorate the service of Australia's war correspondents. The event marked the 10th anniversary of the War Correspondents memorial's dedication and was a tribute to all journalists, photographers, artists, camera and sound operators, and other media who have covered the nation’s involvement in wars and conflicts and to those who sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of truth. 

The RSL says tomorrow’s Vietnam Veterans’ Day is the opportunity to recognise the invaluable contribution of those who served and sacrificed during Australia's 10-year involvement in the Vietnam War. Vietnam Veterans' Day is commemorated annually on 18 August.

This Friday marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific and the official end of World War II (WW II). The RSL says the day is important for the nation, commemorating Japan’s unconditional surrender to the Allies on 15 August 1945, which officially ended WW II. RSL National President Greg Melick said this 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day (VP Day) is an important time for Australia to recognise the sacrifices so many people made for the freedoms we enjoy today.