Anzac Day 2024: We Will Remember Them

For over a century Australians have fought in conflict and peace operations around the world, protecting values of freedom and democracy.

Our national spirit of remembrance has found a home on Anzac Day which marks that brave and fateful moment in 1915 when 16,000 Australian and New Zealand troops landed half a world away, on the shores of Gallipoli.

That spirit was replicated on the Western Front and subsequent conflicts such as World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars, Afghanistan, and our global peacekeeping missions.

This year marks the 80th Anniversary of what many consider was the turning point of World War II, D-Day. Hundreds of Australians were on the ground as waves of Allied troops landed on the shores of Normandy to commence the liberation of Western Europe, while thousands more Australians were in skies above providing vital air cover.

This year also marks significant anniversaries for our peacekeeping and humanitarian work in Rwanda and East Timor; and we celebrate the advancement of women through our defence force and the role they have played in securing our nation, our region and our values.

To all those who have served our nation: their sacrifice is why Australia has the freedoms we all enjoy today; and why we have our sovereignty. Many words are associated with Australians at war and on peacekeeping missions: bravery, camaraderie, mateship, service, loyalty, honour, heroes and heroines. But there is one common word – one goal – that brings them all together: peace.

This Anzac Day we remember and give thanks for the service of all those who have fought for our freedoms; and we give thanks for all those serving our country today. Please consider attending a local service.

• The ANZAC Day Dawn Service hosted by the Castle Hill & District RSL Sub-Branch will be held at Centenary of ANZAC Reserve, Wrights Road, Castle Hill commencing at 6am. The Dawn Service will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend. Type into your browser: www.chrslsubbranch.org.au/2024anzacday

• The Hills Club is hosting the ANZAC Day Commemoration Luncheon and Wreath laying Ceremony from 12:30pm at 6-18 Jenner Street, Baulkham Hills. To learn more about the Anzacs, please visit www.anzacportal.dva.gov.au