Wall of Remembrance

Remembrance holds a deeply significant place in my life. It is a time to honour and reflect on all those who gave their lives so that we could have a future. It reminds me of the enduring importance of courage, integrity, values, and determination—qualities exemplified by the men and women who fought for our country. Each year, I light a candle in memory of the fallen and in tribute to my father for his proud service in the ADF. My hope is that future generations continue to cherish these stories and preserve our history, ensuring it is never forgotten.

My father was a farmer and enlisted just before or when Darwin was bombed and remained in Darwin until the end of WW2.

Let us remember all the ADF Australians who have served our country for Remembrance Day. They did so much for the community.

My great, great grandfather Ambrose Robert Allen. Lived in Broken Hill, NSW where he worked as a miner. Served in the First World War and died at age 52 in Somme, France.

Remembrance Day is very meaningful to my family and myself as my husband is a veteran with 34 years service, our daughter is now a current serving member of the ADF with our son soon to enlist in the ADF in March 2026.

Thinking of all the men and women who have served, those currently serving and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Lest we Forget

Today I remember my dear daddy, Gary.
He served in Vietnam as a young 21-year-old.
My father was a strong man, and the only time I ever saw him shed tears was when he talked about his time there.
As I now work for DVA, I hope that he would be proud of me, and the work I do to support all veterans.

I pay tribute to my dear father. At just 19, he enlisted in the 1st World War. He served in France and Belgium, and became a 2nd Lieutenant. He was wounded twice—first, seriously in May 1918, which saw him admitted to London General Hospital. In August 1919, he returned home safely.

Dad spoke little about his wartime experiences, but he loved to talk about Scotland. His resilience was extraordinary, and he was a truly loving father. Even in his later years in the nursing home, he enjoyed giving Anzac Day talks. Dad passed away at the age of 95.

Lest we forget.

Ron C. McGarry (August 11, 1947 - August 16, 2021) served in Vietnam, April 1967 to April 1968.

He had a strength that built us, that bound us, and now, that binds us. We love you and miss you. See you soon - in the space between asleep and awake.

"if you seek his monument look around you"

NX26393 Sergeant Henry William Mortimer, 2/10th Australian Field Ambulance DOD 17 February 1945. In Sandakan Camp.
We remember Sergeant Henry William Mortimer. Henry Mortimer was born on the 24th of January 1898 in Double Bay. Known as “Harry”, he was the eldest of three children born to Henry and Jane Mortimer, who ran the Royal Oak Hotel. He married Veronica and they had six children: Frederick, Gordon, Kevin, Eileen, Francis and Joan. Harry was at Canterbury District Hospital. Harry enlisted in the Second AIF on 18/06/1940. Harry shaved two years off his age. He trained in the 2nd/10th Field Ambulance.

Remembrance Day is time to honour all those who suffered or died during or as a result of their service. It is also an opportunity to learn more about the experiences of those served and who are not here to share their stories.

My family always thought that Great Uncle Tom was an ANZAC from Gallipoli. Through a bit of research earlier this year, I discovered this wasn’t true and he actually served in the Middle East with the Anzac Camel Corps.
Lest we forget

Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel, Hon Matt Keogh MP, reflects on the sacrifice of the generations before us.