ANZAC Day message from Member for Barker

The anniversary of the landing of Gallipoli is of great significance to Australians.

On 25 April 1915, 16,000 Australian and New Zealand troops landed at what became known as Anzac Cove as part of a campaign to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula.

While the Gallipoli campaign was a military failure, the traits that were shown by those who fought there – bravery, ingenuity, endurance and mateship – have become enshrined as defining aspects of the Australian character.

As such a defining moment in Australia’s history, it is on this day each year that the Nation stops to reflect on the service and sacrifice of all those who have served since.

In 2023, we mark 70 years since the end of the Korean war which, after three years, came to a halt with a stalemate and on 27 July 1953 an armistice was signed. Nearly 18,000 Australian soldiers, sailors, airmen and nurses served in the Korean war. 339 Australians died and 1,216 were wounded and 30 became prisoners of war.

This year also marks 50 years since the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam war. Over 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam; 523 died and almost 2,400 were wounded. Many of those who returned home were met a hostile reception.

Anzac Day is a time for Australians to remember the more than 1.5 million service men and women who have defended our country in all conflicts, wars and peacekeeping operations and the more than 102,000 who sacrificed their futures for ours.

The commemorations include the Dawn Services and marches in communities large and small, as well as the camaraderie in RSL clubs and pubs as veterans, families and friends enjoy a few drinks, share memories of fallen mates and venture their hands at two-up.

As a Federal Member of Parliament one of the many privileges is to take part in these commemorations. I also distribute my annual ANZAC Day brochure into letterboxes each year, which includes a full list of local services.

I encourage your readers to attend a local service and to reflect on the battles lost and won and the great sacrifices made by those who fought them on our behalf.
Lest We Forget.

Tony Pasin MP
Member for Barker
Shadow Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport