The National Servicemen's Association will receive a $100,000 grant to assist with the construction of a memorial fountain at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce Billson, announced today. Mr Billson said the funding, under the Australian Government's Saluting Their Service commemorations program, demonstrated the Government's commitment to supporting and recognising the contribution that National Servicemen made to our country.

"More than 290,000 Australians undertook National Service in the 1950s and then from 1965 to 1972 during the Vietnam War," he said. "Some 20,000 Nashos, as our National Servicemen were known, served in Vietnam. 200 lost their lives." Mr Billson announced the $100,000 grant at the Association's 55th anniversary reunion on the Central Coast, New South Wales. "This year marks 55 years since the formation of the National Service Scheme in 1951," he said.

"National Servicemen have played an important role in the defence of Australia and I am delighted to make available this grant at today's special anniversary reunion." Mr Billson said the grant will help the Association build a memorial dedicated to those National Servicemen who died on active service and the more than 290,000 who undertook national service in the Navy, Army and Air Force.

"Thousands of ex-service and community organisations across Australia have benefited from Saluting Their Service grants. Through their initiative, Australians are able to appreciate the role of our servicemen and women in shaping our nation," Mr Billson said. "We are indebted to the courageous Australians who put their lives on the line in the service of Australia, and the Government remains resolute in its commitment to honour them and their place in history."