LLEW O’BRIEN, ANZAC DAY MESSAGE, 2017
24/04/2017
LLEW O’BRIEN, ANZAC DAY MESSAGE, 2017
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien today encouraged everyone in Wide Bay to pause and reflect on Anzac Day, to honour the service and sacrifice of all Australian men and women who have served in the defence of our country.
Anzac Day is a special day to pay tribute to the contribution of all defence personnel, in the Army, Navy and Air Force, to ensure their service is never forgotten.
We remember with gratitude the sacrifices made by our first Anzacs, as well as the efforts of service men and women in the time since then, and by our current Australian Defence personnel who continue to serve our country, risking their lives to keep Australia safe and secure peace and freedom around the world.
More than 50,000 Australians are estimated to have fought in the Gallipoli campaign, where some 8,700 lost their lives and almost 18,000 were wounded. Our nation owes an enormous debt to these Australians, whose courage, determination and bravery have become part of the Australian way.
Anzac Day commemorations also help younger Australians to gain a deeper appreciation of our wartime history, and the role that war has played in shaping our nation. I encourage all young Australians to learn the Anzac story and pass it onto to future generations.
This year we especially remember the centenary of the Battle of Bullecourt in France, the Battle of Messines, the Battle of Polygon Wood and the Battle of Beersheeva, as well as the 75th anniversaries of the Fall of Singapore, the Bombing of Darwin and the Kokoda campaign — they are all important events from our history that this nation will never forget.
I encourage everyone in Wide Bay to attend a service on Anzac Day or take time to pause, reflect and remember those who have served and those who have given their lives for our country.
Lest We Forget.
Australians are invited to share how they mark Anzac Day on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AnzacCentenary, or on twitter.com/DVAAUS with #AnzacDay.
Further information about Anzac Day and the Anzac Centenary can be found on the Anzac Centenary website at anzaccentenary.gov.au and at anzacportal.gov.au.
Support for Veterans
Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) — 1800 011 046
VVCS can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for support and free and confidential counselling. If you would like to connect to VVCS while overseas please call +61 8 8241 4546 (please note that standard international call costs will apply).
Department of Veterans’ Affairs At-Ease mental health web portal — at-ease.dva.gov.au/
