Ninety eight years on from the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops on the beaches of Gallipoli, our community will pause this ANZAC Day to reflect on the meaning of service and sacrifice.
Nationals Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie said ANZAC Day was Australia’s annual opportunity to pay tribute to those who served, and continue to serve, their nation.
“ANZAC Day is our nation’s day of commemoration for all those who have worn, and who wear our nation’s uniform today,” Senator McKenzie said.
“More than one million Australians have served their nation since the formation of the Australian Defence Forces last century, including many, many from Regional Victoria. ANZAC Day is their day and an opportunity for our nation to show our appreciation for their service and sacrifice.
“Over the course of the Gallipoli campaign, more than 8,000 Australians were killed in action and many more were wounded in action as a result of the campaign against Ottoman Turkey.
“Many of those who survived the Gallipoli campaign were then sent to the Western Front where more than 50,000 Australians were killed in the bloodiest fighting of World War One.
“While ANZAC Day rightly commemorates the first battle of Australians in battle, it is fitting that it also commemorates those who served in World War Two, Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and in peacekeeping and peacemaking operations across the world.
Senator McKenzie said there would be services across Bendigo and regional Victoria, giving everyone the opportunity to commemorate these sacrifices in their own way.
“I encourage everyone living in Bendigo to participate in ANZAC Day services across the community. Buying an ANZAC badge to support the work of the ex-service community and attending a commemorative service are just two ways we can, as a community, show our appreciation for the service and sacrifice of others in times of war and peace,” Senator McKenzie said.