RSL Australia Encourages to Australians to Honour Veterans and Service Personnel on ANZAC Day
MEDIA RELEASE
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) is encouraging Australians to honour the nation’s veterans and service personnel on Anzac Day this coming Thursday.
National President Greg Melick has issued an invitation to Australians to join with the RSL in honouring all who have served our nation.
“There’s no greater way to honour our original ANZACs and all who followed in their footsteps than by attending an Anzac Day service and keeping the ANZAC spirit alive,” Greg Melick said.
“The RSL is committed to leading the nation in commemoration, and Anzac Day services and events will take place across the country, from dawn services and marches in our capital cities to commemorations in thousands of small towns and centres in every State and Territory.
“As a nation, we will remember all those who have served and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.”
Greg Melick said serving our country takes courage, commitment, and selflessness, and it is right and proper that those who have put their nation first are honoured on this solemn day.
“It is heartening to see the significance of Anzac Day growing with every generation and this year should see a reinforcement of that growth with young Australians taking an even keener interest in recognising the sacrifices of our service personnel.
“On Anzac Day, we honour the legacy of the first ANZACs and that of all who have followed in their footsteps.”
This Anzac Day marks the 109th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. As the sun rose on 25 April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers faced their first major battle of World War One. They fought with endurance, courage, ingenuity, good humour, and mateship – values the country has come to know as the ANZAC spirit, and these values continue to live on today.
Initially, Anzac Day commemorated those who served and sacrificed their lives in the Great War. However, in the years since World War One, Australian troops have answered the call in conflicts across the globe, and the date has become the day on which our nation remembers all those who have served and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in all conflicts that Australia has participated in.
“Anzac Day is our national day to recognise the contribution of the more than 1.5 million service personnel who have served and are still serving our country in all conflicts, wars and peacekeeping operations,” Greg Melick said.
“Australians can honour our veterans by attending an Anzac Day service or march, and assist veterans by buying RSL Anzac biscuits or a badge, or by donating to the ANZAC Appeal.
“From services at Gallipoli, the Western Front, throughout Australia and New Zealand and elsewhere, millions will come together to honour our veterans on this solemn day,” Greg Melick said
“On 25 April we will remember them. Lest We Forget.”
ANZAC Day services will be held throughout Australia and overseas.
