Thursday, 2 May 2024

Anzac Day

Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (10:00): I would like to begin by making an acknowledgement of service. I respectfully acknowledge soldiers of the Australian nation who lost their lives during the Gallipoli landing in 1915 and all those who have died in conflicts since. I pay my respects to all members of our Australian Defence Force past, present and emerging, who have kept us safe and continue to do so.

It was a great privilege to join the local community at the Terang RSL for their Anzac Day service. I was struck by the standing room only crowd that filled the RSL hall but also was so impressed by the many children who were present. I actually brought along my little grandson Edward for his first Anzac Day service. His great-grandfather Sir Gordon McArthur lost his leg at Ypres but went on to study and row at Cambridge and was later President of this Legislative Council. It was an honour to be asked to read the poem by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae In Flanders Fields.

The Terang RSL is one of the few RSL sub-branches that own their own building and grounds, and Terang’s facility is a treasure trove of fascinating memorabilia. It is essential that our children and grandchildren learn of the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives so that we could flourish in a democracy like Australia. Lest we forget. I pay particular respect to Pam Bell, who did a wonderful job organising the event.