Let us live in a way that carries forward the spirit of those who gave so much for love, for peace, for each other.
On ANZAC Day in Eugowra, Afghanistan veteran Cindi Houlihan reflected on Australian service from those who took the first steps onto the shores of Gallipoli 110 years earlier, to today.
“I had the privilege of serving and have seen the impacts of war first-hand in Afghanistan, and there’s something I want to share with you about what it means to put on that uniform,” Ms Houlihan said in giving the commemorative address to the crowd gathered in Eugowra’s Memorial Park.
“Wearing it is not just about following orders, it’s about signing a blank cheque to your country - one that includes, if necessary, your life.
“It’s a silent promise that says if needed, I will go.
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“I will protect, I will serve.
“That kind of service is not driven by politics or power, it’s driven by love.
“For those we love, we will sacrifice - in the hope that our children and future generations won’t have to - for a better tomorrow, for peace.”
What the young men of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps faced on 25 April 1915 was brutal and unforgiving, the toll of that campaign over the months that followed a tragedy.
Their legacy, the ANZAC spirit marked by courage, mateship, endurance and sacrifice.
Since then Australians have served in every major conflict and peace keeping mission: World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Rwanda, East Timor and the Middle East – and they continue to serve today.
“To date more than 103,000 Australians have lost their lives in service to their country,” Ms Houlihan said.
“Behind every one of those names is a story, a family a future that never came to be.”
ANZAC Day remains so powerful, drawing thousands to solemn remembrance on 25 April each year right across Australia, because it is a recognition of humanity, Ms Houlihan said.
“Of what people are willing to do for each other, of how mateship can carry you through the darkest days, of how courage sometimes looks like showing up even when every part of you doesn’t want to.”
Our service men and women are part of the living fabric of this nation, quietly upholding values we hold dear, and Ms Houlihan paid tribute to all those who serve and who have served.
ANZAC Day is a day to pay tribute to those who didn’t come home from their service but also those who did.
“The truth is, many who return carry wounds we can’t see,” she said.
“The war doesn’t always end once the uniform comes off, for many it follows them home. In the silence, in the memories, in the struggle to find peace long after the sounds of battle have faded.”
She also offered her thanks to their families and loved ones - their sacrifice is often quieter but significant - and acknowledged those who grieve.
“For some ANZAC day is not just a ceremony, it is personal and painful,” she said.
The day is also a reminder of the values we can live by now.
“Loyalty, kindness, service, respect and standing by each other especially when times are hard,” she said.
“Let us remember with humility, let us honour with gratitude, and let us live in a way that carries forward the spirit of those who gave so much for love, for peace, for each other.
“Lest we forget.”
