Opening of ANZAC Centenary exhibition in Washington

Today, with Australian War Memorial Dr Director Brendan Nelson, I opened the exhibition 'A Centenary of Australian War Art' at the Australian Embassy in Washington.

The exhibition marks 100 years since the ANZAC landing in 1915, a defining moment in Australia's military history and our national story.

A Centenary of Australian War Art consists of 41 artworks from the Australian War Memorial depicting Australian military experience from the First World War to Afghanistan. It is the most comprehensive exhibition of official Australian war art ever seen outside Australia.

Conflicts depicted include both World Wars, as well as Korea, Vietnam and the Middle East. Peacekeeping missions in East Timor and the Solomon Islands are also represented. The exhibition features Australia's best known war artists, including George Lambert and Arthur Streeton.

These works highlight the crucial role Australians have played in some of the most defining moments in modern history, as well as the terrible losses and hardships endured by Australians in war over the past century.

I am pleased to be able to share the ANZAC tradition and spirit with our American friends and visitors to the Australian Embassy in Washington.