This Anzac Day, we pay tribute to the men and women who have served our nation in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Anzac Day is an important day of commemoration, where we honour the service and sacrifice of all those who have worn our nation’s uniform, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
On 25 April this year, I encourage everyone in our Bean community to take the time to remember those men and women who have served and who continue to serve our country.
It is a time to reflect upon the Anzac values of mateship, courage, initiative, loyalty and resilience, and on how these values are upheld by Australia’s servicemen and women today.
The proud tradition of military service here in Bean is one that I know of our community is proud of.
With the recent conversations about Veterans’ health and welfare I send thoughts to all those Veterans who are struggling. Please reach out and make use of the supports that are available.
We have a proud tradition of military service here in Bean, and every year many people turn out to honour this.
Our electorate is named after the great military historian, Charles Bean.
"When all is said, however, the feat which will go down to history is that first Sunday's fighting, when three Australian brigades stormed, in the face of fire, tier after tier of cliffs and mountains apparently as impregnable as Govett's Leap. The sailors who saw the Third Brigade go up those heights and over successive summits like a whirlwind with wild cheers and bayonets flashing, speak of it with tears of enthusiasm. ... Of the Australians, it may be said that the Australian Infantry, and especially the Third Brigade, has made a name which will never die." Charles Bean's first report of the Anzac landing.
Charles Bean devoted his live to telling our story of national sacrifice, mateship and bravery. In 1919 he returned to Australia where he took up residence in the Tuggeranong Homestead to complete the official history of World War I which took him 23 years.
While it will be great to see some Anzac Day events go ahead, the health and safety of public, and especially our older vulnerable veterans, remains paramount. So we need to remain COVID safe.
Whether you commemorate at a local service on your driveway or watching services on ABC, what is important is reflecting and paying tribute to those who have served … the depth of gratitude of the Australian community continues to grow.
Lest we forget.
Ways to commemorate:
- Leave a poppy and a personalised message of support on the War Memorial's Virtual Poppy Wall.
- Watch the ABC's coverage of Anzac Day 2021.
- While tickets for the Dawn Service and National Ceremony have been exhausted, Australians are being encouraged to once again Light up the Dawn.
- Other information about Anzac Day is available at the AWM Anzac at Home page.
If you are a Veteran or family member of a Veteran and in need of support, the Open Arms, Veterans and Families Counselling Service is available 24 hours on 1800 011 046.
