The Tasmanian Government today launched the 2012 Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize designed to connect students with their Tasmanian war history.

The Minister for Education and Skills, Nick McKim said the prize was an opportunity for young Tasmanians to engage in an authentic history inquiry.

"The essay competition provides Year 9 students in all Tasmanian schools with the opportunity to win a trip to Belgium and France for 10 nights to visit landmarks of wartime.

"They will be paying tribute to a man who served Tasmania proudly and bravely and was committed to leaving a legacy that would serve generations to come."

Mr McKim said Ulverstone-born Frank MacDonald died on 23 August 2003 aged 107 and was Tasmania's last World War 1 Veteran.

"The Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize promotes the continuing remembrance, knowledge and understanding of Tasmanian war history.

"The group will follow Frank MacDonald's approximated tour of duty in Belgium and France. 

"Through this prize, students come to appreciate not only the historical time and dates of important events, but the stories of courage, mateship and day-to-day life on the battlefields."

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Scott Bacon, said the memorial prize was an important way of connecting our students with the history of their country.

"We wanted to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of Tasmanian serving personnel long after they have passed; ensuring they will never be forgotten," he said.

"The prize was established to strengthen the relationship between younger Tasmanians and those who have served their country as part of Australia's Defence Force.

Mr McKim said Frank MacDonald's life is testament to the fact that ordinary Tasmanians are capable of extraordinary things.

"By entering this competition students will ensure future generations will continue to remember how Frank MacDonald contributed to the genesis our great nation.

The Prize is administered by the Department of Education and Department of Premier and Cabinet and developed with the support of the RSL.