Media Room: Media Releases
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Defence |
| 05/04/2005 | MSPA 106/05 |
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AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE HONOURS ITS FALLEN The remains of the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force personnel who died in the tragic helicopter accident on Nias Island, Indonesia, will return home today. These professional men and women will be honoured at a ceremony in Sydney attended by dignitaries from both Australia and Indonesia including: The Governor-General, Major General Michael Jeffery; the President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono; the Prime Minister, John Howard; Chief of the Defence Force, General Peter Cosgrove and the Chiefs of Navy, Army and Air Force. "The Australian Defence Force community has been deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of their colleagues and family members," General Peter Cosgrove said. "This is a difficult period for all but in the true spirit of the armed services, they will not be forgotten. Their legacy will indeed strengthen the ethos and foundations of that spirit. "Their families and loved ones will be supported through this difficult time. "As a tribute to the memory of those we have lost, across Australia and on operations around the globe, ADF men and women will continue to do the jobs required of them. "I know that on this sad occasion, all Australians will remember and honour these magnificent men and women who served their nation so proudly," he said.
Media contacts: Major Grant King (Public Affairs Officer, Land Headquarters) – 0407 668 725 Defence Media Liaison – 02-6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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Issued
by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs,
Department of Defence,
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