Anzac Day National Address 2024

Anzac Day 2024 National Address given by Mr Damien Thomlinson at the Australian War Memorial on 25 April 2024.

Thank you for having me, General Hurley, distinguished guests, Mr Anderson.

It’s my honour to speak at the spiritual home of the Anzac tradition, out front the Australian War Memorial, which is Australia’s greatest monument to the sacrifice of Australian Soldiers over the course of our countries involvement in conflict and holding true to the values that are the foundation of our culture. Traditions as simple as this parade ground, which is the hallowed ground representing a Units fallen soldiers. As we move forward as a nation, we should be conscious of the origins of this Anzac tradition and Anzac Day as a reminder of the importance of tradition and respect to our past.

Our great nation survives and thrives on the very values this parade ground was founded. Courage, Sacrifice, Mateship and Teamwork. They serve a daily reminder of why our armed services choose to play the role they do. Putting themselves in harm’s way and those who support the efforts of those who put themselves in harm’s way. A choice we in the civilian world can be proud and grateful for.

I, myself can’t imagine living before colour television or hot running water, with limited access to information, which today almost seems unimaginable. Then receiving a call to arms for the Australian Imperial Force, which began a lasting relationship with our friends across the ditch. We know the ones who we’re talking about: ones who will be very quick to remind us of their Rugby team or an underarm ball in a cricket match some 50 years ago. Though in the Kiwis defence we do claim Phar Lap, we claim Russell Crowe, we claim Curt McGrath and pretty much anything that deserves a mention where we’re happy to remind them of. I feel on a more sombre note, something that requires a mention from that age, is the mean age - average age of 23 -for the First World War. That fact certainly does not escape me when walking along the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial. Each name representing an empty seat at the dinner table and for context my personal injuries, in that era, would most certainly had my name written up on that wall.

One thing that does not change with time is the damage that war inflicts. Behind me, the Australian War Memorial are completing extra wings to honour the involvement in our more recent conflicts which I know means a lot to contemporary veterans, but I sincerely hope that we don’t need any more wings to be built. Though if needs be their halls will be filled with memorabilia from those who have continued the Australian tradition where the local population respect us, our enemy fear us and our allies simply want more of our troops on the ground. The Australian Defence Force itself requires a large range, as we saw through the march, of extremely talented people doing a number of jobs to support the front line fighting. From highly skilled medics through to communication experts and capability management and training our troops for whatever task presents itself.

One thing we can’t look past, no matter the conflict, is the beating heart of our ADF. Being our families at home that keep the fires burning and remember, always, that they foot an equal amount of the bill under written when our troops deploy. Also the importance cannot be stressed enough of assisting in the transition of troops resettling when they return. We have come leaps and bounds since 1915 but there is still work to be done in ensuring that all of the troops that serve have the support they need when transitioning into a meaningful place in the workforce or getting the simple assistance that they need. With that I thank the ex-service organisations that strive daily to assist in any way possible, along with the volunteers that daily donate their time to veteran welfare.

I recall personally going to my first dawn service post a life changing injury. The extent of the injury looked reasonably obvious at the time, but despite my obvious attempts to hide it, was not really yet known. It hadn’t landed on my 28 year old shoulders as I walked with trepidation down the esplanade at Bondi Beach, what the public sentiment would be like over the war in Afghanistan. What I was met with was the warm fuzzy feeling that I was standing shoulder to shoulder reflecting on the sacrifice of our forefathers and their families with a group of 8,000 people that are grateful for the days that we have. Seeing those 8,000 faces reminded me that Australia cares, Australia respects and Australia remembers. With a pile of handshakes, thank yous and a sudden loss of requirement to purchase my own beverage at the bar, I was reminded of the care Australians have, and it just reminded me that I love Australia.

Anzac Day is a day where the people matter more than politics. Where family, friends and friends we haven’t met yet can reflect on where our way of life comes from, and I can proudly turn to my kids and say ‘I was an Australian Soldier’ and every single day you both make it worthwhile.

Today we can share tears, we can share smiles, share beers. Have a wager over a coin flip…..or show gratitude with a hat tip. Treat yourself and make someone’s day by telling them they matter and they made it worthwhile. Let’s greet all those in uniforms or proudly displaying their medals with a smile.

Today and every day, we will remember them.

Lest we forget.