PREMIER’S FULL SPEECH

recorded that we were a small community bitterly divided during the war years and for many years to come.

“While warfare did sprout some new industries, it disrupted our economy, closing many markets for our products. Unemployment doubled in the first six months of war accompanied by inflation, wage increases, industrial unrest and strikes.”

Present and former Australian servicemen who attended the service said they felt their contributions in conflicts since World War I had been recognised by the services.

Peter Ling, who was in the RAAF for 28 years and whose relatives fought in World War I, World War II and in Vietnam, said nothing much had changed since the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918. “We are still fighting,” he said.

“History hasn’t changed, it’s just going around in circles.

“There’s always someone to fight. As Australians we always fight for those who can’t fight for themselves. We are always there to protect the innocent and the weak and those who are desperate and destitute. “That’s what our job is.” Australian serviceman Quentin Hendry, who attended the service with his son, said he had served in Afghanistan four times.

“We are here to remember the sacrifices made during the First World War and subsequent conflicts,” he said.

“And to remember those who continue to struggle.”

State President of RSL Tas-