Five of Australia's most decorated soldiers have been honoured on a stamp.
The special release Australia Post Legends series features Australia's Victoria Cross recipients, as the country prepares to mark 100 years of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli.
Keith Payne VC OAM, Cameron Baird VC, Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG, Daniel Keighran VC and Mark Donaldson VC hold the highest honour bestowed for acts of bravery in the presence of the enemy, the Victoria Cross.
Keith Payne VC OAM was awarded the Victoria Cross after rescuing 40 soldiers, under fire during the Vietnam War.
He says he's never backed away from a fight, and certainly isn't shy about expressing his opinions on the current state of Australian warfare.
"The situations arising in the Middle East and all over the world at the moment. All nations have to pull together to ensure this terrorism is nipped in the bud, but I think it's gone on for too long it's a rose now. We gotta knock that rose off its perch," he said.
From the oldest living recipient of the imperial Victoria Cross in Australia, to the newest inductee Corporal Cameron Baird.
Killed in action in Oruzghan Province, Afghanistan, Corporal Baird is remembered by his father Doug Baird as a hero on and off the battle field.
Receiving the Legends Award on his behalf, Mr Baird made an emotional tribute to his son, saying he is an example to others of what can be achieved.
"We see his face up there as a reminder to the youth of today that no matter who you are what your background is you can achieve the highest honour in the country and he's done that from just being a normal boy."
During the Battle of Derapet Daniel Keighran drew enemy fire to allow medics to treat a casualty. Receiving a stamp with his face on it today, he says he expects a few light hearted pot shots from his mates.
"There'll be jokes about licking the back of my head, and it will be very odd to see my face on the mail, but I know my mum will be extremely proud."
In 2009, then trooper Mark Donaldson, a member of the Special Air Service Regiment, exposed himself to enemy fire to protect injured soldiers and save an interpreter.
He never imagined his acts of bravery would land him on the face of a stamp.
"When I was kid I was never like I wan't to have my face on a postage stamp, but really it's an amazing honour to be involved with those who have gone before me, and alongside on this day during this event Dan, Ben, Keith and obviously Cameron it's amazing it's fantastic," he said.
Australia Post will donate one dollar from selected products of the Legends range to Legacy, a charity to provide assistance to the families of diggers killed of affected by war.
Ben Roberts-Smith, whose heroic actions led to the retreat of the Taliban from an entire village in Southern Afghanistan, says while accolades are important, supporting those who return from war is paramount.
"The general community have shown us great support and initiatives like this I believe go a long way to keeping that recognition up. Particularly for those guys who need that assistance at the moment. You know we don't want to forget our wounded, we don't want to forget the guys that come home with mental illness and we don't want to forget the families."
Each of these Australia Post Australian Legends will receive a 24-carat gold replica of their stamp.
Share
