On the 25th of April every year, we come together to remember the brave men and women who have served our country so valiantly.
Although the Gallipoli Campaign was not the success that we’d hoped to achieve in terms of our military objective at that moment in time, the actions of Australian and New Zealand military forces have left a powerful legacy.
In 2023 we also acknowledge a number of significant military milestones.
This year marks 20 years since Australia’s Defence Forces joined with a US-led coalition, commencing operations as part of the liberation of Iraq.
It’s the 80-year commemoration of Australian forces taking part in No. 617 Squadron carrying out the Dam Busters Raid against targets in the Ruhr Valley, Germany.
I have been humbled in recent years to see our community come together in the early hours of the morning to remember those who defended our nation.
It is particularly pleasing to see the number of people from younger generations turning out for the various ANZAC Day services every year of which I have also enjoyed attending many commemorative dawn services for as long as I can remember.
First, it was as a child growing up in Dubbo then as a member of the Australian Regular Army, and now with the privilege as a Member of the NSW Parliament
Having the privilege and opportunity to meet with so many fellow veterans, I am acutely aware of the hardship and courage that has been displayed by our service men and women both at home and on the battlefront.
It is our responsibility to ensure younger generations can learn about the stories of the ANZACs, to be enriched with the knowledge of this proud nation.
I often say that is vital to ensure the stories of our brave men and women who have served our country are never forgotten and that those stories continue to be told for generations to come.
They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
We will remember them.
Lest we forget.
Greg Warren is the Member for Campbelltown and a veteran who served in both the Royal Australian Infantry Corp and the Royal Australian Corp of Transport in the Australian Regular Army.
