Memorial honours Aussie soldiers killed in Afghanistan

Thousands of people attended the opening of the Avenue of Honour memorial at Lake Tinaroo at Yungaburra, north of Cairns.

The memorial started out as a personal initiative of the family of Private Ben Chuck, one of three commandoes killed in a helicopter crash in June 2010. On his final journey home, his gun carriage passed along the shore of Lake Tinaroo, south-west of Cairns.

At the opening ceremony of the memorial, Prime Minister Julia Gillard declared the memorial a tribute to the 39 young Australians who died in a dangerous place far from home in the deserts, valleys and mountains of Afghanistan.

She said the memorial is also a special place for the nation to honour all the men and women who have served in Afghanistan.

"I want you to know it is also a place which is very special to me. I attended the funerals of 24 of the Australians whose names will be read today," she said.

"I met many of you on those dreadful days. I will never forget this memorial here, I will never forget you here today and and most importantly we will remember them."

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said all those who wore the Australian uniform had volunteered to take risks many Australians have never had to face.

"We (politicians) feel fumbled even a little embarrassed in the presence of those who we have ordered into battle when we have faced no such dangers ourselves," he said.

"Our only justification can be absolute necessity for the protection of our nation and our absolute duty is unstinting ceaseless support for those whom we put in harm's way. Part of that support is honouring the fallen, which we do today, 39 men cut down in their prime."

Victoria Cross recipient Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith urged people to remember the impact war has on the soldiers who do return home.

"Many men have gone to Afghanistan, many will come home with issues and problems that we cannot forget," he said.

"We need to remember the sacrifices that have been made. Mateship to me is now about remembering the mates we have lost, and the mates who are going to need our help in the future."

AUSTRALIA MISSION IN AFGHANISTAN 'ALMOST COMPLETE'

Meanwhile, Veterans' Affairs Minister Warren Snowdon has concluded a surprise visit to Afghanistan, declaring Australian troops close to completing their mission.

Mr Snowdon met senior Australian commanders at the main base at Tarin Kowt, as well as Afghan government officials.

He said there were clear indications of the growing capability of Afghan forces who would take full responsibility for security in Oruzgan province at the end of this year.

"Although Australia is close to completing a successful mission in Afghanistan, we remember that 39 young Australians made the ultimate sacrifice and many more have been wounded or otherwise injured. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten," he said in a statement.

Mr Snowdon said he saw for himself the progress in remediating the base at Tarin Kowt and preparing for redeployment of ADF personnel and equipment back to Australia.

"This is a crucial component of Australia successfully concluding its mission in Oruzgan at the end of this year," he said.

During the visit, Mr Snowdon told Australian soldiers they had made a tangible and meaningful contribution to the security and future of Afghanistan.

"All Australians should be rightfully proud of the outstanding work done by our servicemen and women on this mission of such importance," he said.