Remembrance Day 2024: Veterans explain importance of occasion at Martin Place ceremony

Veterans have highlighted the challenges members of the armed forces face upon returning to civilian life, marking Remembrance Day by paying tribute to mates lost not to war, but the struggles that followed.

Veterans have highlighted the challenges members of the armed forces face upon returning to civilian life, marking Remembrance Day by paying tribute to mates lost not to war, but the struggles that followed.

Current and former servicemen stressed the importance of carrying on their friends’ legacies on Monday, sharing what the occasion meant to them and why it was important for the country as a whole.

Paying his respects at the Remembrance Day commemoration in Martin Place, Brendan Casey – a 40-year Army Reserve veteran – said he was honoured to protect his country but “remembering my mates” was one of the greatest services he could do.

“It’s very important for me to make that contribution to community and country,” he said.

“But it’s a very special day for me.

Brendan Casey, a current serviceman of 40 years’ service.

Mark Shannon is a fifth-generation serviceman.

“I particularly remember my mates, those who didn't come home or those who came but took their own lives because of mental injuries. I remember them.”

Fifth-generation army member Mark Shannon also touched on the importance of understanding the mental challenges veterans faced upon returning to civilian life.

People pay their respects during the Remembrance Day ceremony held at the cenotaph in Martin Place. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

“To help carry on their legacy, I think it’s important to understand perspective and what they’ve gone through,” Mr Shannon said.

“People don’t know how difficult it is to come back and transition. It’s really tough and very hard to explain.

“Sometimes we’re a bit gruff and cranky, but people need to understand there is a reason behind that.”

Martin Place was packed for Monday’s ceremony, with some of the state’s most prominent figures, including Premier Chris Minns and Governor Margaret Beazley.

A veteran salutes the fallen in Martin Place. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

David Bing served in the Australian Army.

Red poppies were dotted throughout the crowd as attendees paid homage to the fallen.

The glint of medals worn by soldiers, like veteran David Bing, also appeared in every directions.

Mr Bing served in the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, which he described as “one of the most decorated battalions” in the Australian Army.

“The military history in my family goes back a number of generations,” he said.

“This day is extremely important. My father and uncle are no longer with us. (They) were both serviceman, and the guys who I’ve served with who are no longer with us. so this day plays an important role for me because it’s how we carry on their legacy.”

Jessie Grech and Myra Edwards, who helped knit a piece of Anzac artwork to replace a rug stolen from a Sydney hospital earlier this year, at a handover ceremony on Monday. Picture: Rohan Kelly

The sombre day also featured a heartwarming handover in Camperdown, where a church knitting group handed over a rug to replace a beloved piece of Anzac artwork, which was stolen from the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse cancer hospital in April.

Members of the “Twiddle Muff team”, from the Holy Name of Mary Parish in Hunters Hill, spent months creating the artwork to replace its stolen equivalent, which had been handmade by cancer patients.