ANZAC Day is a time for reflection by our community, as we think of our current serving members of the Australian Defence Force as well as the proud history of the ANZACs.
From World War I, to World War II, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, Afghanistan, Malaya, Borneo, Iraq, Timor as well as our peacekeeping missions around the world - the Australian Defence Force has always served our nation proudly, and with honour.
We pause to remember those who fought for our freedom.
We reflect on the courage, the mateship and the endurance of so many of our young men and women who served our country at a time of War. Many of which made the ultimate sacrifice, for that very freedom we still hold dear to our hearts today. We also remember the families that lost a loved one, during those difficult days.
The ANZAC Legend was born on the shores of Gallipoli in Turkey during World War One.
Together with their New Zealand comrades, they died in their thousands, for a cause much larger than themselves.
From Wellington to Perth, families on both sides of the Tasman mourned the loss of loved ones as news from the front lines drifted home. The courage, ingenuity and spirit of the ANZAC forces have been a hallmark of our two countries since that first campaign.
In 2021 we have seen the ADF involved on the front line to Australia’s COVID-19 response, as well as Bushfire Recovery efforts around the country.
A different fight for a different type of War.
It is a stark reminder of the proud history of the ANZAC tradition and that the story continues to live on today through the awe inspiring efforts of our current serving Women and Men.
We thank all those who continue to serve to this day for their continued sacrifice. We also acknowledge the sacrifice of the family members who support their loved ones serving in the ADF.
In 2020, ANZAC Day Commemorations were unable to proceed as they normally would due to COVID-19. However it is comforting that we can again acknowledge the sacrifice of our fallen Diggers with the return of the ANZAC Day March and Dawn services around the state.
For Australians, the message of our ANZAC Spirit is clear – mateship, courage in the face of adversity and looking after each other in times of hardship. Lessons that still serve us well today. We will remember them.
Lest we forget.
