Queensland will continue to honour Indigenous veterans

RSL QUEENSLAND will continue to honour indigenous veterans, as it does for all who have served this country, at its many commemorative services.

RSL Queensland President Tony Ferris said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service people had served in every war and conflict since the Boer War, and their contribution must not be forgotten.

“Although they fought and sometimes died shoulder to shoulder with their fellow Australians, they returned home to a country that still refused to acknowledge them as citizens,” Mr Ferris said.

“This is why RSL Queensland acknowledges the invaluable contribution our indigenous service people have made – and continue to make – to the defence of our nation.”

While ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day honour all who have served, since 2006 RSL Queensland has also hosted an Indigenous Veterans’ Ceremony, held in Brisbane’s ANZAC Square during National Reconciliation Week. This specifically recognises the service of thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service people who have served in all wars and conflicts. This year it will be held on May 30.

Members of the public are invited to attend the annual ceremony and pay their respects to indigenous service people, both past and present, who have served and sacrificed for their country.