Wall of Remembrance

As a Veteran and as the wife, daughter, sister, niece, and granddaughter of Veterans
We reflect on those
- who came before us, who fought for our freedom.
- who returned home carrying visible and invisible wounds.
- who signed their name, ready to give everything, even if they never went overseas.
We reflect on the families who stood behind them who loved, supported, sacrificed through deployments, long absences, the years that followed.
Just a moment to reflect to set hatred aside, to find gratitude for the lives and freedoms we have today now is the time.

Lest we forget.

Time stands still, we honor those who have served. Scars not seen and cries not heard. We remember them and we remember who we are! ANZACS

My great grandfather fought as Sargent in WWII, his service number was "NX39494", my grandfather fought as Private in tvw, his service number was "2791117" my great uncle fought as bombardier in WWII, his service number was "N339263"

This is a draft of a booklet I helped create for the 50th anniversary of VP day in 1995.

My year 5 class interviewed Cliff and myself, and my friends Neal and Rhys wrote (and typed!) this story (notes from my mum). I was 9. Talking to Cliff and others like 'Old Jack', a Rat of Tobruk from the 2/15th, and learning the stories of the service people from my small town in FNQ was foundational for me.

I now work in commemoration, and I hope my writing is better, but these are the people I remember first on 11 November.

Thinking today of my father, SGT Vic Dunn, RAA, 2/2 Tank Attack Regt, WWII. He was in the Militia before the war and served in the Middle East and New Guinea. He passed away on 11/11/95.

Remembrance Day is a time to remember people who have died or suffered in their service to Australia.

On 11 November, our family remembers my grandmother's beloved brother, Tom Kyle.

He joined the RAAF in 1941. He served as a pilot with the RAF in the UK. On a Berlin bombing mission with No 7 Squadron on 25 March 1944 (577 Allied planes in total that night), Tom's plane was one of 44 lost.

He is commemorated at Hamburg Cemetery, Germany. I cherish Tom's 1943 diary.

Jason, a veteran of the Australian Army and current Director within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, shares a personal reflection for Remembrance Day from the Gaythorne RSL Community War Memorial in Brisbane, Queensland.

Drawing on his experience in service and his continuing commitment to veterans, Jason reflects on the enduring power of remembrance, closing with his own words: “Their memory endures until the last person remembers.”

For me, Remembrance Day is a specific time to reflect upon those sacrifices made by not only the First World War Veterans but also those Veterans since who gave all, so we today have our freedoms and can enjoy our Australian way of life.

While I may not agree with all Australians, I do respect and appreciate the fact we have that freedom of choice due the actions of past Veterans.

I recently completed the Kokoda Trek in Papua New Guinea with my best mates from school — an incredible journey through rugged terrain.

Walking in the footsteps of our diggers was deeply moving, a way to honour their courage and connect with my family, our countries, and my mates.

My Grandad and Grandpa fought here, as did my Nanna’s brothers, our Clem and his little brother Frank, who rests at Bomana War Cemetery after having died in his brother’s arms.

Our Porters — descendants of the Papuans who so bravely and famously assisted the Allies during the campaign — were amazing, making the journey even more meaningful.

I was the first of Frank’s family to be able to visit him at rest, and the beautiful condition of the cemetery and the obvious deep respect with which it is maintained has meant the world the Frank’s nieces and nephews, who are in their 70s and 80s now and have been deeply moved by this.

Reflecting and giving thanks for all the sacrifices my forebears made for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Reflecting on Remembrance Day.

Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel, Hon Matt Keogh MP, reflects on the sacrifice of his 2 Great-Uncles.