02:35 Good morning, Mainland. Can I say how proud I am to see so many out here today.
02:40 The thousands I've seen so far today across Maitland, I acknowledge your support today.
02:45 To be honest, I'm still a little bit alone with the F-35, which went past earlier. I don't know if many of you saw that.
02:51 I know that this one's at the same time as earlier. It's a Shandler 3.
02:56 And that was great to see.
02:59 And I acknowledge that the Madison is with us this morning, and the Minister for Regional Roads and Space, Paul Mendenhayton.
03:07 And acknowledge the Heritage Mayor, Paul Mendenhayton, the Blackfriars, Ian Peters, and Councillor Andy.
03:15 And the Mayor of Maitland, Andrew Daskos.
03:22 I'd like to particularly acknowledge the presence of all of the schoolchildren here today, their carers and all of the community in Maitland.
03:29 It's great to see that new generation coming along and acknowledging the importance of a day like this.
03:34 And thank our great men in the Salvation Army here with us this morning.
03:39 On this day, 109 years ago, at dawn, thousands of brave Australian and New Zealand troops landed on the shores of the Liberlies.
03:48 They marked the start of their first major military campaign in World War I.
03:54 And it became an event that shaped the future of Australia and our people.
04:00 Today, on the 25th of April, we gather to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
04:07 We remember soldiers from Maitland who are memorialised here.
04:12 We acknowledge those who stood up in defence of their freedom and their way of life, and those who continued to do so on other continents around the world.
04:22 We reflect on those who made it home, and mourn those who sadly never returned.
04:29 Those soldiers rest in eternal sleep on the ridges of Golden Leaf, in sacred cemeteries, both overseas and at home.
04:41 And in many unmarked and unknown places across the world.
04:46 Anzac Day is a solemn reminder to us all to commemorate our brave Anzac sons,
04:52 all the past and all current serving personnel, not just today, but every day, so their memory forever lives on.
05:01 May we always remember those who made the sacrifice, and those who caused scars and continue to bear them, both visible and invisible, and saved by us.
05:13 We carry you in our hearts and minds, and we honour you always.
05:19 Blessed be the day.
05:20 We look forward. We reaffirm our commitment to peace.
05:23 We strive for a world where conflict resolution is the role of our leaders, through dialogue and diplomacy.
05:30 We draw strength from the soldiers' example, as we confront the challenges of the modern day, knowing that we can strive to embody Anzac spirit.
05:38 Today we remember all.
05:40 The soldiers that fought on foreign shores, the nurses who tended to the wounded, and the families that waited anxiously for their return.
05:48 To the men and women who continue to serve with honour, and the veterans that carry the physical and emotional scars of war with them, every day.
05:57 Let us pledge to never forget the sacrifices of the past, to honour the memory of the fallen, and to uphold the values for which they fought.
Be the first to comment