SUPPORT 95TH ANNIVERSARY OF ANZAC LEGEND: LEST WE FORGET
April 25 this year will mark the 95th Anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand forces at Gallipoli in World War One and the birth of the ANZAC legend, and I encourage all Canberrans to attend some of this weekends activities commemorating the many sacrifices made by not only those in the Gallipoli Campaign but also of countless men and women since 1915, Shadow Veterans’ Affairs Minister Jeremy Hanson CSC MLA said today.
“ANZAC Day always serves as a special and solemn opportunity for the community to pause and reflect on the great sacrifices made by our armed service men and women. We remember not only the adversity faced by our young men in Gallipoli in 1915 but also of our young nation, involved in a war on the other side of the world, and of the profound struggle to overcome tyranny and fight for the freedoms we now enjoy.
“The immense loss of life during this campaign – over 10,000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers – also serves as a reminder that the freedoms gained and the great nation that we have become since WWI should never be taken for granted. The ANZAC spirit which was born on this day 95 years ago has shaped and defined our nation and Australians are a better and more respected people because of the qualities embodied by our young countrymen at war in 1915 and embraced by the generations that have followed.
“We also recognise our allies New Zealand and the unbreakable bond that was forged between our two nations in tragedy, and we take pride in our shared history and common identity.
“It is also a timely opportunity to pause and reflect on the thousands of Australian Defence Force servicemen and women currently serving overseas in difficult conditions, in places such as Afghanistan, Iraq, the Persian Gulf, Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands, and the burden that their service has on family and friends, but also recognising the very necessary work they are undertaking on our behalf.
“ANZAC Day is an occasion for all Australians to remember, reflect and celebrate our unique history and I would encourage everybody to participate in commemoration services in their community and to particularly give our younger Australians a deeper understanding and appreciation of the sacrifices made by those that came before us,” Mr Hanson said today.
For a full list of ANZAC Day events in Canberra, go to www.dva.gov.au for more information visit www.action.act.gov.au to see special ANZAC Day Bus Services.
