The Australian government has committed $3.3 million towards a world-first education centre in Washington DC honouring Vietnam veterans.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the Vietnam Veterans Education Centre will be a state of the art digital education and exhibit facility located on the Mall in Washington, dedicated to educating visitors about the Vietnam War. The project was initially announced last year as part of a Labor election commitment.

According to her, participation in this project is a powerful opportunity to explain the Australian contribution to the Vietnam War to the American people and to further strengthen Australia’s long-standing relationship with the United States.

Australia’s funding commitment currently comprises $1 million to ensure Australia’s input in shaping the plans for the Centre including Australia’s footprint within the facility; $0.52 million for a ‘Wall of Faces’ – a photographic image display of 520 Australian War Dead from the Vietnam War alongside their US comrades; $1.5 million for interpretive material for permanent display and development of displays for special occasions such as Anzac Day, Long Tan Day and other commemorations.

The Gillard government said it is pleased to supporting this unique opportunity to honour the 60,000 Australian servicemen and women who served in the Vietnam War, more than 35 years ago. In time the Centre will become a place of quiet pilgrimage for our veterans and their families, and for any Australian who wants to pay their respects.

To mark the announcement, three Vietnam veterans accompanied the Prime Minister and Minister Snowdon to Washington DC to visit the site of the Centre: Mrs Terrie Ross, the Hon Graham Edwards, and Mr Arthur Francis, CSC, OAM. We cannot thank our Vietnam veterans enough for their courage and sacrifice.