Bert Van Manen (Forde, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I want to thank the member for Forrest for bringing this motion to the House. As we stand here today and reflect on Remembrance Day 2018, we mark 100 years since the end of World War I. I have no doubt it was a special day not only for our veterans but for everyone in the Australian community. I was so pleased to see the record number of people, particularly young people, at the Remembrance Day service in Beenleigh. Every year, the Beenleigh and Greenbank RSLs go the extra mile to support our local community, to ensure that we not only celebrate but, more importantly, remember those who fought for the freedoms that we enjoy today. I want to thank all those who took part in Remembrance Day ceremonies across the electorate of Forde, and who wore a red poppy and who paused for a minute's silence to remember those who lost their lives for our freedom.

It's interesting to reflect that during World War I, Australia, with a population of less than five million people, saw more than 400,000 soldiers enlist to serve. Of those, more than 150,000 were wounded, gassed or taken prisoner, and, tragically, more than 60,000 paid the ultimate sacrifice and did not return from war. This was an enormous toll for a young nation like Australia, with nearly every family and community across the country having experienced a loss of some kind.

Remembrance Day holds a special place in the hearts of Australians. As we go around our towns and our communities across this country, we can have a look at our war memorials and cenotaphs and see listed there the names of those who did not come back. Many of those names are still familiar or known in our local communities, whether it's at the war memorial in Beenleigh, in Ormeau, in Cedar Creek or in Upper Coomera. Many of those names still have family members alive today and contributing to our communities. Equally, all those names are recognised in many places in our communities, whether it's streets or parks or other community places. This is what I think is important; that we have made an effort to remember those who paid that ultimate sacrifice.

It's important that we do not forget the lessons of history. As the member for Canberra has just outlined, it was the war to end all wars. Yet we well know that that was not the case. It's important that we show a mark of respect to our soldiers, sailors and airmen who have contributed so much. The Remembrance Day ceremonies held across the country this year had record numbers of people attend. It shows the importance that we as a community place in that.

But, in all of this, it's important to remember that we're remembering people, real people. They were brothers, sisters, husbands, fathers. Right across this country, families and communities were affected. As we stand here in this place, I think it's fair to say that it's difficult to understand what those families and communities went through at that time, which is why we should always be eternally grateful for the sacrifices that they gave to defend this country and others. We see each year the reverence with which the French commemorate Remembrance Day, and also Anzac Day, in recognition of the service that Australian soldiers gave in their community. I'd like to again thank those who are serving today in various theatres around the world. They continue to demonstrate the qualities so ably given to this country by the Anzacs. Lest we forget.

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