REMEMBERING OUR ANZACS
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP today encouraged residents to attend their local Anzac Day commemorations to reflect on the contributions of our servicemen and women in defending Australia.
The Anzac tradition as we know was born on 25 April 1915, when Australian and New Zealand troops landed on the shores of Gallipoli. On that first day, 2000 soldiers lay dead or wounded, while some 8000 Australians had died when the last troops were evacuated some eight months later.
“Those who served at Gallipoli founded a tradition of courage, tenacity and mateship that has continued through generations of Australians who have served in subsequent conflicts,” Mr Ruddock said.
“Many of those who survived Gallipoli went on to serve on the Western Front, and we will commemorate the 90th anniversaries of many Western Front battles over the next twelve months and over the years many would have lived in our local area.”
“Although all the original Anzacs have now passed on, the Anzac tradition continues to be an important part of Australia’s identity and character.”
Anzac Day was a time for Australians to remember all those who served and died – not just at Gallipoli, but in the two World Wars, in Korea, Vietnam and other conflicts and peace operations. More than 1.5 million Australians have served in defence of our nation, with more than 100,000 paying the ultimate sacrifice.
“2007 also marks the 60th anniversary of the first Australian peacekeeping mission—in Indonesia in 1947. Australian peacekeepers have been in the field continuously since then, serving in more than fifty multinational peace operations and today Australians are serving across the globe, including in Afghanistan and Iraq and Anzac Day is our chance to let our servicemen and women – past and present – know that their service and sacrifice is remembered, appreciated and honoured,” Philip Ruddock said.