Moving address honours families of service personnel
This year’s ANZAC Day address was an example of the diversity of experiences of Australian servicemen and women in the modern era.
The address, given by Officer-in-Charge of the Bourke Police station, Inspector Jeff Little, was a moving tribute to the ideals of the ANZACs, and the importance of putting those ideals into practice.
Not all those who serve are members of the Australian Defence Force.
Inspector Little was one of many Australian police deployed to United Nations peacekeeping missions, including to East Timor, Cyprus (twice), and Sudan,
He has also served in Jordan training Iraqi Police, and worked with Australian Government, training police in the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
“Anzac day is not merely a date or some foreign campaign, but a spirit which instils great pride, camaraderie and loyalty,” Detective Inspector Little said.
“It evokes memories, emotions and humility. There is a special sadness that accompanies the death of a serviceperson who gave us something we can never repay.
“All we can do for them, is remember them and honour who they were for they defended us, our country, and our families.
“Since 1915, Australians and New Zealanders have served around the world, from the fields in France to the jungles of the Pacific in peace time and in war.
“Look at these service men and women here with us today. See the names on the cenotaph and give some thought to the text on certain headstones which lay quietly in cemeteries.
“Those brave people, some teenagers, some from here in Bourke and cities and towns across Australia, who in extraordinary circumstances, defended us from those who would do us harm.
“With each of my deployments I saw things I cannot un-see. For every mission, I left with anticipation and idealism, but I also felt great sadness for leaving my family, my home, Australia.
Read more local news in the printed edition of The Western Herald.
To subscribe call (02) 6872 2333 today and receive The Western Herald in your letterbox next week!