BEREAVEMENT PIN FOR NAVY FAMILIES

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, today announced the commissioning of a bereavement pin for family members of Navy personnel who lost their lives while in the service of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), and the nation.

Minister Snowdon said many families who lost a relative while they served in the Navy have expressed a wish to have a tangible, yet discreet,
memento of the service of their loved one.

"The Navy Bereavement Pin represents their relative's commitment to Navy and the family's sacrifice and loss," he said.

"It is hoped that the families, to whom we owe a huge debt of gratitude, will find some comfort in the recognition of their loss through the Navy
Bereavement Pin."

The distinctive 20mm gold-plated lapel pin is emblazoned with the RAN crest and encompassed by a wreath to symbolise families' support of their relative in life and death.

HMAS Sydney II family members attending memorial services in Canberra, Geraldton and at sea in HMAS Manoora on November 19 will be the first invited to receive a Navy Bereavement Pin.

"On the 19th of November, the nation will commemorate the life, the service and the sacrifice of the 645 men who were lost with the sinking of
HMAS Sydney II. It is right that the families of those brave servicemen will be the first to wear this symbol of both sorrow and deeply valued
service.
"The Navy Bereavement Pin should be worn with pride, and as a reminder that they too, are part of the broader Navy family," said Mr Snowdon.

Family members of Navy personnel who died while serving in the RAN since Federation, during war or peace time, on active service or off duty, are invited to apply for a pin by calling Navy on 02 6266 2285 or emailing NAVY.BereavementPin@defence.gov.au 

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