April 25 is a date forever etched into the history of our nation.
It is the anniversary of the first major battle fought by Australian and New Zealand troops in World War I.
Around 20,000 soldiers landed under fire on the shores of modern-day Turkey, for a campaign that would last eight months.
My great grandfather Tom Cupper was one of them.
He was among the troops who fought on the Dardanelles in Gallipoli in 1915, before becoming a solider settler at Birdwoodton upon his return to Australia.
Years later, my maternal grandfather, Bill Stevens, fought on the Kokoda Track.
And my great uncles Ray and Ken Cupper were RAAF pilots during World War II and were soldier settlers in Robinvale upon their return.
They were fortunate enough to make it home, while more than 100,000 Australians lost their lives in war.
Their experiences are among countless stories of heroism, tragedy, and sacrifice.
The story of the Anzacs continues today in the brave men and women of the Australian Defence Force.
I join with you in remembering and honouring those that gave their lives for the freedom and democracy that we all enjoy, and those that still serve today.
We come together to commemorate this Anzac Day at time of great international upheaval. I wonder what the Anzacs might think of what is happening in the world today.
They might shake their head in dismay at how quickly the lessons of the past are forgotten and are replaced by new tensions, new aggressors, and new theatres of war.
I suspect they would want us to fight for our values, but also work tirelessly for peace, so that wherever possible we can avoid the horrors of war.
In the face of an increasingly unstable world, may we recommit ourselves as Australians to being a beacon, not just for freedom and democracy, but for inclusion, kindness and fairness in the world.
Let that be how we honour the Anzacs.
Lest we forget.
