Tuesday, 12 November 2024

 Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (13:33): On 11 November, Remembrance Day, Australians gather to honour and reflect on the sacrifices made by brave Australian service men and women. This day, deeply ingrained in our national spirit, serves as a solemn reminder of those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom and for the legacy they have left for future generations. On Sunday I had the privilege of attending a moving ceremony at the Waurn Ponds Memorial Reserve, organised by the dedicated Waurn Ponds Memorial Reserve Committee, including Jack Harriott, Jeff Harriott and youngest committee member Thomas Welsh. This event not only honoured our fallen heroes but also marked the relocation and rededication of the National Servicemen’s Association memorial monument, an enduring tribute to those who served. Yesterday I joined the Inverleigh RSL sub-branch with president Deema Johnston for a touching Remembrance Day service where we paid tribute to our Australian heroes. Following the service a restored 25-pounder howitzer gun was unveiled. It is a powerful symbol of Australian resilience, once used by our soldiers in battles from North Africa to the Pacific. There were other informative plaque unveilings, including that of the Lone Pine tree, grown from a seed from the original Gallipoli Lone Pine. Let us continue to honour their memories by being proud Australians and upholding the values they fought for. Lest we forget.