Tradition of sacrifice goes on
A MESSAGE from Warren Snowdon, Member for Lingiari.
On the 102nd anniversary of the first landings of the original Anzacs in the Dardanelles in 1915 we remember those Australians, who in the infancy of our nationhood, so many years ago, faced the steep rugged ranges of the Gallipoli peninsula.
With each passing year, Anzac Day has further significance and poignancy.
In my youth those remaining of the 324,000 who served overseas in the First World War were in their prime working in the com- munity or in retirement. Many were incapacitated, scarred by their experience of war. They were a living reminder of what Anzac Day meant.
On Anzac Day we are mindful of the generations of soldiers, sailors, airmen and nurses that have served our country in time of war. We remember the supreme sacrifice of over 100 000 Australians that have died in war.
We remember those that survived to live among us in times of peace as grandparents, parents, uncles, aunties, brothers, sisters, cousins, neighbours and mates.
We hold dear those special lives still with us from the Second World War and Korea, Vietnam, the Malayan Emergency, the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan, and other missions where Australians have served and continue to serve.
We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people both in uniform and as civilians who have served in every conflict and commitment involving Australian defence contingents since Federation.
But it is on Anzac Day that we especially remember the Anzac story and in particular the Australian legend that emerged from the Great War.
It is a legend of free and independent spirits whose discipline derived less from military formalities and customs than from the bonds of mateship and the demands of necessity.
It is a democratic tradition, the tradition in which Australians have gone to war ever since.
Today, Australians continue to serve their country. Currently, about 3300 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel serve in 12 operations overseas and within Australia. They enshrine our nation’s love of peace and remind us that in their service is faith enough for all of us.
I have, on many occasions had the privilege and honour to spend time with our defence personnel on active service. As Minister for Veteran Affairs, I spent many moving moments with veterans and their families.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the first of many bombing raids on Northern Australia in World War II with the loss of service personnel from both Australia and the United States, and civilian lives. The first raids were on Darwin then across the north until November 1943, including Katherine. We remember that our Northern Territory was a theatre of war and that many victims of that conflict are buried at the Adelaide River Commonwealth War Cemetery south of Darwin. This makes the Anzac Services at Adelaide River particularly poignant and unique.
On this Anzac Day let us continue to honour those who have always been among us.
A grateful nation expresses its thanks. Lest we forget.