This weekend we remember those both past and present who have offered their lives for the defence of our Nation and for the liberties, philosophies and beliefs that are encased in that unique but wonderful state that is being Australian, said Senator Barnaby Joyce, the Leader of the Nationals in the Senate.
“Now at different parts throughout the world Australian serving men and women compromise the benefit of alternate careers that would keep them closer to home and family, possibly earn more money and avoid the threat of the inherent danger of the battlefield because they believe in our Nation and believe in its purpose, “ he said. “Unfortunately to this purpose Australians continue to pay the supreme sacrifice.
“The history of our Nation holds in the highest esteem those who have lived through the privations, the loneliness, the fear; compromising their own commercial gain that would be attained by staying at home, compromising their own body, life and mind by going away. There is an admiration for those who wear the uniform because they wear the risk that in the deep recesses of our heart we fear. They have offered to do the job that we would hate to do.
“What does ANZAC Day ask of us; the Dawn Service, the support for the parade, even the trip to the RSL for a few beers. Not much really when you consider what others have offered, their names in brass at the War Memorial, or the marriages that fall apart while people are away, or the bodies and minds that are shattered by the experience of conflict, or the hollowness that is felt by those who are left behind.
“ANZAC Day, Lest We Forget.”