Media Room: Defence Alert

Senior Military Officers from the Australian Defence Force will be attending memorial services across Canberra for the National Day of Mourning and Reflection on Sunday, 16 January 2005.

The Australian Defence Force is providing substantial assistance to Indonesians in the province of Sumatra who have been affected by the tsunami as part of the Australian Government’s contribution to the region.

Australians have been asked to reflect on the tragic event and to extend thoughts of hope to all those affected by this terrible natural disaster.

As a sign of respect to the many thousands of innocent lives lost in the Boxing Day tsunami disaster, Defence establishments will be flying flags at half-mast on Sunday.

Chief of the Defence Force, General Peter Cosgrove, will be attending St Christophers Cathedral in Manuka at 9:30 am.

Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral Russ Shalders, will be attending the Wesley Uniting Church in Forrest at 9:00 am.

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Chris Ritchie, will be attending St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Forrest at 9:30 am.

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Angus Houston, will be attending Duntroon Chapel at RMC Duntroon at 9:30 am.

Deputy Chief of the Army , Major General Ian Gordon, will be attending a multi-faith service being held at the Royal Thai Embassy between 4:00 and 5:00 pm.

Defence Media Liaison 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664.