Cairns Remembrance Day 2024 highlights family sacrifice of service members
Servicemen and women from across the armed forces gathered in front of the Cairns RSL on Monday to commemorate Remembrance Day. In pictures: How the day was marked.
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Servicemen and women from across the armed forces gathered in front of the Cairns RSL on Monday for the solemn occasion of commemorating Remembrance Day.
This year’s address was led by HMAS Cairns Commander Andrew Thorpe, who spoke on themes of sacrifice and duty, and the often-forgotten sacrifice made by families of service members.
Australia pauses to remember at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month each year, marking the moment the Armistice of 1918, which ended World War I, came into effect.
It is an opportunity to remember all those who have served Australia over the years, but especially those 103,000 who died during or as a result of war service.
Retired navy serviceman Neil Stanmore was buoyed by the community’s support and encouraged younger generations to heed the call of duty.
“Today, obviously, a great turnout from everyone,” he said.
“It’s always a solemn moment. But afterwards, you reflect on what people have sacrificed for our country.
“Service is a great career. It’s not for everybody, but it certainly was for me. And I recommend it to all the young people I talk to.
“If they’re not sure on what they want to do in life and they want a bit of adventure, look at one of the services. Join up, make Australia proud.”
Former ADF serviceman and Cairns RSL board director Rob Lee said Remembrance Day was a good opportunity to remember the sacrifice made by all veterans.
“There are a lot of veterans my age that perhaps don’t get thought of as much as the older generation gets thought of,” he said.
“But there’s been a lot of conflict since then. So it’s good to always remember the new generation.”
The shift from service to civilian life can be difficult for many of those who have served and Mr Lee believed greater support post-service was needed to protect veterans.
“For me personally, it wasn’t the best,” he said.
“The Department of Veteran Affairs at the time was not doing a nice job.
“They’ve come a long way, but there is still room to be made to look after veterans.”
Mr Lee said that once veterans were injured, and had left the military, the onus was on them to get recognised by the department, instead of the other way around.
“I don’t think that’s the right thing to do,” Mr Lee said.
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Originally published as Cairns Remembrance Day 2024 highlights family sacrifice of service members
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