With the arrival of Anzac Day, our minds and hearts are reflecting more than ever on the sacrifices of our military personnel. Each year on 25 April, we gather together as a community to pay our respects to those who have served. The Anzac Day tradition began as a way to commemorate those servicemen and women who gave all at Gallipoli. As the years wore on, the commemorative purpose of Anzac Day expanded and grew to encompass all of the men and women of the Australian Defence Force who have defended our Australian way of life and offer tribute to them---for a debt we cannot ever repay.
As we approach Anzac Day, it’s important to make time to appreciate not only those who have served in the past, but to support those who are currently serving, especially those service people who are deployed overseas. One of the greatest ways we can tangibly show our appreciations is by sending messages of support to those deployed personnel. Deployment can be a very difficult situation. Not only are personnel often spending months away from family and friends, the daily challenges they face may be significant. Every single message sent from back home means so much and helps demonstrate that we as a country deeply appreciate their sacrifice.
How to Send a Message to Deployed Troops
Sending a message of support can be as easy as sending an email. You can send an email message to sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen via supportthetroops@defence.gov.au. The emails received are widely circulated to deployed Defence members from all three services. This show of public support is of great encouragement to our troops.
Another way to send a personalised message of support is through “Postcards to the Troops.” This is a popular option for children who can spend time decorating and personalising a postcard for service members. These are often displayed and are always received with great joy.
Where to send Postcards:
Messages to the Troops
Media Section
39 Operational Support Battalion
Building 217
Randwick Barracks NSW 2031
Messages and postcards are a meaningful way to demonstrate our immense gratitude to our Defence personnel. If you’d like to make a financial contribution to support deployed personnel, you may wish to donate to “Soldier On,” a program that provides assistance for Australian soldiers and their families. A monetary donation can make a lasting impact, helping to fund Soldier On programs that focus on social activities, employment and education, and psychological support.
Finally, if you would like to support our troops by sending physical items, consider making a donation to the RSL Australian Forces Overseas Fund. Your donation will help provide care packages for deployed personnel. The fund compiles care packages twice yearly (containing a variety of non-perishable items and a letter of appreciation sent on behalf of all Australians) which are sent to deployed personnel in Defence, Australian Federal Police and Other Government Agencies. These care packs can brighten an individual’s day, as well as provide for their daily needs. And it’s always beneficial to have a reminder of home.
Let’s pay tribute to our deployed troops this Anzac Day and beyond, through meaningful messages of support.