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Remembrance Day

Published on: November 2024

Record: HANSARD-1323879322-148110

Remembrance Day

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore) (16:11:52):

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, communities across the country and Commonwealth pause to reflect on the service and sacrifice made by those in the First World War and subsequent conflicts. Originally announced to mark the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany, today Remembrance Day gives us all the opportunity to acknowledge the service personnel who died while serving in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. For Australians, Remembrance Day has a particular resonance. During the Great War, Australia as a young nation lost over 60,000 of its sons and daughters.

From the beaches of Gallipoli, the trenches in France and the deserts of the Holy Lands, Australians served with great courage and resilience. Many of them were little more than boys, teenagers barely out of school leaving behind their families, friends and futures. Yet they answered the call to serve king and country with extraordinary bravery, giving their lives for causes they believed to be greater than themselves. The legacy of their sacrifice has lived on through every generation. As Australians, we carry forward the legacy of those who have fallen in both world wars, as well as in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq and many other conflicts and peacekeeping efforts around the world.

We are reminded that our way of life, our values and our freedoms are built on the sacrifices of those who came before us. They laid down their lives not only for their own generation but for all who would come after them. Each poppy that adorns the chests of veterans, friends and family is a symbol of remembrance. It is a symbol that transcends borders and reminds us of the shared responsibility we have to uphold the legacies of those who came before us. But remembrance also brings us face-to-face with the ongoing sacrifices of those who continue to serve. We thank our current members of the Australian Defence Force and their families. They face separation, upheaval and the dangerous environments of modern conflict. We owe them not only our gratitude but also our support, compassion and ongoing commitment to their welfare.

Waterhen

This year, as a co-patron of the North Sydney RSL Sub-Branch, I joined them at the Remembrance Day service at the North Sydney War Memorial. I thank the North Sydney RSL Sub-Branch for its organisation of this poignant service—in particular, president Alex Wilson, honorary secretary Chris Greatrex and treasurer Andrew Wilson. Commander Fiona Eggins of HMAS , which is a naval base in my community in Waverton, delivered a poignant address at the service. I also acknowledge maritime spiritual wellbeing officer Trent Bowen, bugler Jordan O'Brien and the 1st North Sydney Scout Group, as well as the Clan Macleod Pipe Band of Sydney, who regaled us with their music. The North Sydney RSL Sub-Branch was joined by members of the Kirribilli RSL Sub-Branch in this year's joint service. I thank Kirribilli president John Kirton and his team and the committee for all of their work.

It is always especially encouraging to see so many local schools in attendance at these services. I recognise and thank the students and staff of the many schools that joined in, including Neutral Bay Public School, Cammeraygal High School, Marist Catholic College, Monte Sant' Angelo Mercy College, North Sydney Boys High School, North Sydney Demonstration School, Wenona School and ANZAC Park Public School. I also thank Dr Helen Bendall, who attended the Mosman RSL Sub-Branch service at Mosman War Memorial to lay a tribute on my behalf while I was at North Sydney. I acknowledge the leadership team: president Alan Toner, vice‑presidents Peter Handley and James Malcolm, secretary Geoffrey Rickards, treasurer Steven Ryan and Andrew James.

I understand that it was a wonderful service at Mosman as well, with significant involvement from the school and local community. May we remember them, not only on Remembrance Day but every day. May we keep alive their memory and their hope for a better world. May our remembrance inspire us to be vigilant, compassionate and committed to peace. Lest we forget.