It is a great privilege to be asked to deliver an Anzac Day Address. The question “What does Anzac Day mean to you?” will be answered differently by almost every Australian.
It is impossible not to be moved at such an occasion when the sun is rising and large numbers of people have gathered at dawn to reflect on the sacrifices of those who, with their blood, selflessness and courage have paved our way in the world. Australians have been quietly gathering like this for a century. At some services there is barely a word spoken (Fremantle) while at others it is highly structured and broadcast live around the nation.
I get lovely feedback from this speech which is tremendously heart-warming. It seems to particularly resonate with children who, I'm told, want to have deep conversations with their parents on the impact of war on families. One little girl stated that people “should still be looking for that man’s grandfather as he might be out there somewhere in a jungle or on a raft”.
Feel free to download a copy here.
