Cassandra Fernando (Holt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Anzac Day is a time for reflection, remembrance and gratitude. It is a day when Australians come together to honour the courage, sacrifice and service of those who defended our nation and the freedoms we enjoy today. I was honoured to attend the dawn service at Hampton Park, the morning march in Cranbourne and the commemorative match hosted in Tooradin. Across Holt, our community gathered to pay tribute to those who served and those who continue to serve our country. This year marks 111 years since the Gallipoli landings and 110 years since Australians first served on the Western Front during the First World War. We remember all Australians who have served, across generations, from Europe, Korea, Malaya and Vietnam to East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan, and all the peacekeeping missions around the world. This year also marks five years since the Kabul airlift, which ended Australia's longest war, in Afghanistan, where more than 39,000 Australians served with professionalism and bravery.

I thank the Hampton Park Progress Association, the Dandenong Cranbourne RSL and the Tooradin Dalmore Football Netball Club for their work in honouring this important day. Lest we forget.