War ‘a last resort’: religious head calls for sacrifices of fallen Anzacs to be honoured
‘Without him … I would not be here and many of you would not be here” Elizabeth College student Lachlan Monk spoke of his great grandfather’s “indomitable spirit” at Friday’s Hobart Dawn Service. Hear from the other families honouring the Anzac heroes.
Tasmania
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The sacrifices made for peace and the spirit of survival were remembered as thousands of Tasmanians across the state gathered to mark Anzac Day on on the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.
Hundreds gathered in the dark at Hobart’s Cenotaph for the Dawn Service where Governor of Tasmania Barbara Baker read the requiem in front of a repectful crowd which included Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
The solemn ceremony looked to the past, honouring Australians who served the country, but also to the future and the path to longstanding peace.
Anglican Dean of Hobart Richard Humphrey said to honour the sacrifices of those fallen, everyone has the responsibility to fight for peace, saying war should always be “a last resort”.
“We gather aware of a wider history of violence in our world, in our country, and in our state,” he said.
“Further news from Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, and live firing in our own waters reminds us that we need to be calling for and vigilant in the cause of peace,
“As today we remember this cost to our nation and to other nations we stand in silence and pray for an end to war and for a true and just peace in our world.”
The president of the Hobart RSL sub-branch, Kieran Lennard delivered the oath, with many in the crowd joining in reciting the poignant words.
The crowd observed respectful silence as the last post played.
Seventeen-year-old Elizabeth College student Lachlan Monk, shared the story of his great grandfather Daniel James Thompson, one of the only 13 Tasmanian survivors from Australia’s Lark Force in Papua New Guinea.
“Dan’s survival is a testament to the indomitable spirit of our species and an embodiment of the Anzac legend,” he said.
“Without him, and without the sacrifice of the countless Australians and New Zealanders who served alongside him in New Guinea in the Second World War, who served before him in Turkey and Europe in the First World War, and after him in Korea, in Vietnam, and in the Middle East, I would not be here and many of you would not be here.”
Lachlan’s grandmother Pamela Monk, Daniel Thompson’s daughter, said she was “so proud” of her dad, saying he was the same age as her grandson is now when he joined the army.
“The thing that is so important to me is that he could have been a terrible fellow with everything he went through, he could have really been cynical, but he wasn’t. He was just a wonderful man and such an optimist,” she told the Mercury.
Ms Monk, joined by her husband Ken and son Nick, said they loved seeing the amount of people coming to reflect together.
“The reason we’re in this position is because of the sacrifices of those who came before. You know, we’ve built our society on their values and we’re so very fortunate that we don’t have to send our 17-, 18-, 19-year-olds off to war,” Nick Monk said.
“And we can only hope today reminds us of that in a difficult world.”
Attendees lingered following the service, many taking the opportunity to get a photo with the historical lighthorse troop.
Joshua Mione carries a framed picture of his great grandfather Verdan Nathaniel William Paget to the Hobart Dawn Service every year.
Mr Mione said he wants to honour him as he was killed in action during the Second World War.
“I know my Nan will be proud,” he said.
After the service, Mr Mione shared his great grandfather’s story with the Wright family.
Mum Stevie Wright was joined by Ellora, 8, and Keon, 13, who proudly donned his great grandfather’s medals.
Keon said he felt “really proud” to wear them at the service.
Ms Wright said the family were visiting from Townsville and they try not to miss Anzac Day.
“The service was really lovely and emotional,” she said.
“I think it’s important to be here today.”
Later in the morning the Royal Australian Signal Corps members led Hobart’s Anzac Day march through the city.
Major Matthew Brocklehurst from the Royal Australian Signal Corps said it was a “real honour” to lead the march in celebration of 100 years since the Signal Corps was established.
Macquarie Street was lined with spectators, many donning family medals.
Helen Cameron-Tucker said she usually walks with the World War I descendants in honour of her grandfather, but wanted to share the day with her children and grandchildren.
“It’s very emotional, I normally march … but wanted to be with this lot this time,” she said.
“My husband is marching, the uncles are all marching as well.”
Ms Cameron-Tucker said she had been speaking with her grandchildren about what the day means.
“We’ve explained to the children that those who’ve served wear their medals over their heart because they’re still living,” she said.
“They’ve been wonderful, they’ve been waving and clapping, they all went and said thank you.
The family has a long history with the Australian and French armies, with a number still actively serving.
The march arrived at the Cenotaph just before midday, with politicians, defence force personnel and families laying wreaths in memory of fallen soldiers.
A Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III aircraft from 36 Squadron RAAF Amberley conducted a low altitude fly over at 12pm.
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