Louise Markus (Macquarie, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I stand here today in this place to reflect upon the impact and significance of what began that day we now refer to as Anzac Day—25 April 1915. On that day the Anzacs began a tragic yet generationally impacting journey. We all have a link to that day. It is our story. Today, I wish to paint a picture of some of those Australians that left our soil to fight for freedom and peace focusing first on those who left home and loved ones from the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury and secondly, with indulgence, recognising my own heritage.

While the Gallipoli campaign came to a close with a well organised retreat—demonstrating in itself the innovation, ingenuity, improvisation and meticulous planning—Brigadier-General CF Aspinall-Oglander wrote in reference to the military operations:

Up to the very last the men were visiting the cemeteries, erecting new crosses, or tidying up the grave of a dead friend. "I hope," said one of the Anzacs to general Birdwood on the last morning, as he pointed to a cemetery "I hope they won't hear us marching back to the beach."

The Anzacs left over three nights from 18 to 20 December without a single loss. Those who survived Gallipoli went on to Southern Belgium and Northern France on the Western Front. What they found was unprecedented human loss amid what has been referred to as 'mud moonscapes, endless artillery barrages, poisonous gas, landscapes wrapped in barbed wire, soaked, mud drenched uniforms and the likelihood of imminent death.'

I had the privilege of visiting the Western Front Fromelles, Bullecourt, Villers-Bretonneux and Menin Gate and have seen firsthand the gratitude that the French people have, particularly for Australians. This reminds us of what the Anzac spirit inspires and what our diggers today desire above all else. That is not the glorification of war but the pursuit of peace and freedom for everyday people across the globe.

The Kurrajong-Comleroy Historical Society received $10,000 to fund a project to research and print a book entitled First World War Soldiers of the Kurrajong about the men who enlisted—

Debate interrupted.