Townsville Remembrance Day 2023:‘One of the most important days’
Remembrance Day holds high significance for one Townsville schoolgirl whose family have proudly served their country through the generations.
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Remembrance Day holds high significance for one Townsville schoolgirl whose family have proudly served their country down the generations.
Torrance Harding, whose father is the Regimental Sergeant Major for 31/42 Brigade, said it was an honour to give the keynote address on Remembrance Day at Anzac Park and give respect to past family members who have served.
“As a Defence child who has seen and experienced the highs and lows of Army life, Remembrance Day holds high significance for me,” she said.
Ms Harding said both her great grandfathers fought in World War One, her father now served 100 years later and Remembrance Day was an important Day for the community to remember those who have served.
“This is one of the most important days in our calendar in that the soldiers risked their lives for us and sadly did die. So it’s important that we all recognise how important it is and pay our respects.”
She said during WW1 more than 410,000 Australians enlisted, with 60,000 making the greatest sacrifice of all.
“Now 105 years later, Remembrance Day holds high significance not just for Defence personnel, but for Australians across the globe.
“On Remembrance Day, we joined in a minute silence to acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice for over 100,000 Australians who gave their lives for our country.
“The traditional red poppy has become a symbol of remembrance for those who died and suffered in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions.
“After 105 years, the Anzac spirit lives on through over 1500 personnel currently deployed on operations overseas and within Australia, protecting our country and region.”
She said as a Defence child it had become increasingly challenging to move every two to three years.
“In 2020 and 2021, my father was posted to Singleton but we made the decision for my brother, Mum and I to stay in Townsville to continue our high school journeys.
“As this was during covid, the two years my dad was away I saw him for less than six weeks in total.
“Remembrance Day helped me to remember the work my Dad is doing is for the betterment and improvement of life within Australia and reflect and commemorate the sacrifice and efforts of all soldiers.”
Townsville RSL president Wayne Preedy said the Townsville community truly understood the meaning of Remembrance Day.
“Remembrance Day is one of the most important days in our commemorative calendar.
“As this is the anniversary of the armistice that ended the fighting with Germany in World War One, it is a day of reflection and remembrance of the sacrifices men and women have paid in defence of our nation and the freedoms we get to enjoy because of their service and sacrifice.
“It’s when we acknowledge and pay our respects to those that died while serving in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Lest we forget.”
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Originally published as Townsville Remembrance Day 2023:‘One of the most important days’
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