Veterans use Remembrance Day as chance to be optimistic for Australia’s future
Sydney’s marquee landmark has been emblazoned with red poppies as NSW commemorates Remembrance Day. It comes as veterans urge Australians to use the day to not only be thankful for the past, but optimistic for the future.
NSW
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The Sydney Opera House was illuminated with red poppies this morning as the city marked the beginning of Remembrance Day.
The striking display over Sydney Harbour came as the sun rose, highlighting respect and remembrance for Australia’s service personnel.
Veterans Affairs Minister David Harris led the proceedings at a special sunrise service by the harbour.
RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge recited the Ode before the Last Post sounded, reminding all of the day’s significance.
Large crowds are expected to gather at the state’s main service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place at 10.30am, with communities across NSW also hosting memorial events to honour the sacrifices of Australia’s defence personnel.
Monday marks 106 years since the signing of the Armistice that ended the First World War, during which over 416,000 Australians enlisted from a population of just 4 million.
Since then, many Australian servicemen and women have participated in conflicts and peacekeeping missions worldwide.
The red poppy will again be projected onto the Opera House at 8pm, continuing a tradition started in 2014.
In a tribute to education, schools across NSW received resource packs from the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs, encouraging students to learn about the importance of Remembrance Day.
Premier Chris Minns reflected on the day, saying, “This Remembrance Day is an opportunity to reflect on those who bravely laid down their own lives to defend our country and preserve our way of life. It is important to acknowledge those who continue to serve in our defence, at home and abroad. There is no higher public service than offering your own life to protect your country. It is also crucial to recognise those who have lost a parent, child, or family member in the defence of our country. Australia’s free and democratic society is built upon the shoulders of these brave service personnel we are commemorating today. Lest we forget.”
Minister Harris urged Australians to pause for a minute’s silence at 11am.
“We wear poppies on Remembrance Day to serve as a reminder for people here, and around the world, to take a moment and pause and remember our service men and women,” he said.
“We owe them an immeasurable debt of gratitude for helping to make Australia the prosperous and free country it is today.”
Veterans embrace new meaning of Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day has a new call to arms – honour those who have fallen in the past, but also make it a day of action to recognise the surviving veterans of the present.
With the royal commission into veterans’ suicide shedding light on the trauma and stresses of the modern returned servicemen and women, the RSL is calling on Australians to look ahead as well as to the past when they attend Remembrance Day services today.
“This Remembrance Day, we not only honour and remember all those who have died or suffered for Australia’s cause in all wars and conflicts, we also continue to reflect on the ongoing impact of military service on our veterans and their families,” RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge said.
“Following the conclusion of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, ex-service organisations now face 122 critical recommendations and RSL NSW will advocate for the implementation of these recommendations to support veterans across Australia.
“We must turn remembrance into action, ensuring veterans of all ages feel supported, heard and valued.”
The commission’s final report released in September delivered a scathing view of organisational dysfunction, deep-seated cultural issues and leadership issues within the Defence Force.
The veteran suicide rate is up to 2.1 times higher than the national average, with the attempted suicide rate 15 times higher.
Two veterans from different eras believe today’s commemorations focus not just on their lives, but the lives of all Australians.
“It’s a day of solemnity, you reflect, you worry about what’s going to be in the future of the world, and you just hope it’s going to be OK for your children and grandchildren,” said Mosman RSL sub-branch vice president Peter Handley, a 79-year-old veteran of Malaya and Vietnam.
His president at Mosman RSL, Alan Toner, 44, served from 2000 to 2006 in East Timor and Iraq and knows the issues facing the contemporary soldier and their families.
“You realise the part you played in a moment in time, and how that has impacted the people around you and the people who are going to be around them,” Mr Toner said.
He said he was looking forward to reuniting with his mates today.
“That’s so important to me, coming back with the people who you served with,” he said.
The Opera House will be lit up with red poppies this morning for a special sunrise service on the harbour, after which large crowds are expected at Martin Place for the state’s Remembrance Day service at 10.30am.
Premier Chris Minns, who will be attending the service, said Remembrance Day is an opportunity to reflect on those who laid down their lives to protect our way of life.
“It is important to acknowledge those who continue to serve in our defence, at home and abroad,” he said.
“There is no higher public service than offering your own life to protect your country.”
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