Compiled by Archbishop Dr. Peter McInnes, AICA Primate, RSL Chaplain, www.aicaustralia.com

Distinguished guests, serving and ex-serving personnel, ladies and gentleman, as we gather this day to honour those who paid such a heavy price on so many battlefields, the memories flow back of the many things we treasure so richly in our service lives.

• The “mateship” of those called home, and those left behind, we honour them not only on ANZAC Day but on every day, the men and women of Australia and New Zealand.
• The unit practical joker, who could be relied upon to lift our spirits, particularly prior to times of Action.
• The “Stand To” times when every second was heard, and with keen eyesight everyone was categorised as friend or foe.
• The leave periods where a drink was shared, tales exchanged, but if any other Nation put an Aussie or Kiwi down for any reason, the “Mateship” was instantly displayed and defended. I share these thoughts with you to emphasise the “Spirit of ANZAC”, which I believe began at first settlement, and was built upon through a host of Campaigns up to this present day.

Some examples we might consider are:

• The Boer War, fought on the plains of Southern Africa.
• The 8th Light Horse Regiments victory at Beersheba, liberated Israel from 400 years of Turkish rule.
• Flanders Fields of France, against the might of Germany.
• Gallipoli against the stubborn Turk, on their own turf.
• Our pilots who fought so valiantly in the Battle of Brittain.
• The Kokoda Trail, hand to hand against the Japanese invader.
• South-East Asia and so many bitterly fought Pacific battles.
• The Naval and Air Force units engaging massive odds when supporting the ground forces through thick and thin.
• The Merchant Navy who carried the vital supplies.
• The Korean U.N. conflict. Hill 108 where our Allies ran, but the Aussie Battalion stood firm against massive Chinese odds, which earned them a Presidential Citation from the United States.
• The Malaya & Borneo Campaigns, which proved so successful.
• The Battle of Long Tan, where an ambush with impossible odds against our blokes was the near destruction of D445, which was compromised mainly of the North Vietnamese Army and some local irregulars; U.S. Presidential Citation for D Company 6 R.A.R.; many Citations for the Australian Army Training Unit; and 1 R.A.R. Meritous Unit Citation with the 173rd Airborne.
• Let us not forget the Ladies of our Nation. Some on the battlefield, others bringing up the family while dad was away doing his duty. Sadly, no medals for many of them, but they proudly did their part in the homes and factories of our Nation.
• Our Special Operations U.N. personnel serving abroad both past and present. The Middle East and Kashmir in ’75, Iran-Iraq in ’88, Namibia and Peshawar in ’89, Kuwait in ‘90-’91, West Sahara and Cambodia in ’91, Balkans and Somalia in ’92, Mozambique and Rwanda in ’94, East Timor in ’99, Afghanistan in 2002 and other peace-keeping operations around the world.
• Finally, I would like to thank our Community Anzacs. The beeper sounds/phone rings and members of the Ambulance, Fire Service, Police, C.W.A., R.V.C.P., S.E.S., the families of those men and women, and so many other Community Organisations become a fighting arm, at bush and grass fires, accident scenes, rescue sites, natural and civil disasters.

ANZAC as a title may have originated at Gallipoli, but the spirit within it has always been there. Scratch an Aussie in times of trial and see that spirit emerge. In a short time it is impossible to truly express our gratitude to those who have gone before us, paying the supreme sacrifice. They will never be forgotten, but honoured, and with pride remembered as true ANZACs.

WE GRATEFULLY THANK THEM. LET US PRAY.

PRAYER

Dawn Service

What does ANZAC Day mean? A holiday to relax? Celebration of war and past glories? Memorial of sacrifices made for peace and freedom? What does it mean to you personally?

Today we remember those whom sacrificed themselves, passed on, those here present (past and current) Army, Air Force, Navy (part-time, full-time, reserve and conscript) whom served our country. I look to the next generation to pass on the baton / carry the torch / bear the burden for the future freedom of our nation. These sacrifices which have made Australia the safest country in the world to bring up our children.

When a protestor burns our country’s flag. They may take their own thread only, but please don’t burn the whole flag/our flag, which many others and I fought to defend. Historically speaking, some past service members were welcomed home on return from active duty, while others were persecuted and shamed for serving their country (whether willing or not).

I personally wish to welcome and thank you for your service to our nation. Thank you for my personal freedom which I enjoy on a personal level. Thank you for my family’s freedom which we enjoy together. Thank you for the community’s freedom, which we all enjoy today, because of your dedicated service for these given causes.

Today we Honour you as you so rightly deserve. Thank you again. Let us Pray