Ninety years after the end of World War I the benevolence of the sacrifices of Australian service men and women still shines brightly over all of us.

In a tribute to their service, Senator Barnaby Joyce, Leader of the Nationals in the Senate, reflected on the deaths and casualties suffered during the Great War and the tremendous impact through succeeding generations.

There are no Australian soldiers still alive from this period, with the death of Navy man William Evan Allan in 2005 marking the end of that brave line.

“We are so fortunate that we do not have to go through the horrific trauma that these people suffered on our behalf,” Senator Joyce said. “The peace and security of our nation today is directly related to their sacrifice.

“Personally, both my grandfathers served in the First World War. One was a New Zealander in the Infantry and the other, a radio operator for the Australian Flying Corps. At one time they were within a mile of each other at Messines Ridge on the Western Front.”

Senator Joyce said it is entirely appropriate that our Nation’s Parliament faces the Australian War Memorial.

“It is a continuing reminder that our Nation is their legacy and our actions in the Federal Parliament reflect our respect or otherwise for that legacy. On this Armistice Day, 90 years after the end of the First World War, we must never forget the sacrifice of so many Australian lives or we will belittle the blessing that this nation is to us.

“Lest we forget.”

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