27 Apr 2017
Captains Jenan Hannaway and Danny Hinh gave the following speech during our Anzac Day ceremony.
"Good morning, distinguished guests, teachers and students. We meet today not to celebrate or glorify war, but rather to remember those who have served our country during conflict and crisis. We also remember those who served and worked tirelessly on the home front, providing the support and moral strength for those who fought and died for our country.
"On this occasion we revisit the reasons why we commemorate Anzac Day and exactly what it means to us as a nation and as individuals. On Anzac Day, we salute not only the spirit of the Anzac's but, in paying tribute to them, we take the opportunity to dedicate ourselves to uphold the values for our country as they did and uphold the qualities of courage, commitment, endurance and mateship.
"Australia has been involved in several armed conflicts since their role in World War 1 at Gallipoli. In 1939, almost a million men and women volunteered to participate in World War II and over 40 000 did not return. A few years later, Australia sent 17,000 soldiers to Korea, and in the 1960s sent 50, 0000 to Vietnam.
"Having said this, Australian soldiers have been active in peacekeeping operations in East Timor, the Solomon Islands and throughout the Middle East helping the people of these countries to get their lives back on track. These soldiers risk their lives in these war-torn countries, demonstrating the same self-sacrifice, integrity and compassion that the Anzac's showed at Gallipoli.
"Anzac Day is not merely a date, or some remote campaign, but rather a spirit. It is a time to reflect on the qualities of past generations of Australians who in hardship displayed courage, discipline, self -sacrifice, self-reliance, resourcefulness and friendship. Even as the numbers of Anzac's grow smaller, the Anzac spirit which was handed down to us from battlefields long ago, will live on because it is a reflection of the very heart of our nation. Our men and women of the Australian defence forces serve in Australia and overseas carrying on the spirit and legacy of the Anzac's.
"Anzac Day is therefore a day for all Australians, regardless of religion, racial background or place of birth. It is a day to commemorate the bravery and self -sacrifice of past and present generations. It is a day to acknowledge the selflessness of all those who laid down their lives for Australia so that it can be a place of freedom for all. On this day we thank and recognise those who served our country, today we honour the people of Australia who have fought in wars to protect our country and have risked their lives. Therefore honour the Anzac spirit and incorporate its values of purpose, direction, acceptance, responsibility and compassion as part everyday life in Australia."