ANZAC Day: Maintaining the promise made

While West Australians slept, Government House was alive with activity. As events staff set up tables and chairs on the lawns for the Gunfire Breakfast, security maintained the comings and goings, media prepped camera gear and speech notes, the ADC gathered the wreath and the Governor reviewed his various speeches.

106 years since the first ANZAC Day and here we are, maintaining the promise made – to remember them.

Dawn Service

Whilst 2022 marked the first Dawn Service in two years, COVID restrictions still in place limited the event to a cluster of key personnel. Escorted by a ceremonial guard, the Governor attended the Kings Park service to lay a wreath and comment on the continued significance of the event.

“Whatever is the cause and intent of war or conflict, the importance of ANZAC Day is to respect and honour those who were called to defend freedom over tyranny.

Today we not only salute the service and sacrifice of all men and women who have worn our country’s uniform but also acknowledge the impact on family and friends who remained at home.

We told the soldiers who went away to fight for us that they would never be forgotten.

It is a sacred duty, therefore, that we are doing what we are doing now.

We are keeping a promise that was, in effect, a national oath.”

Of special note was the attendance of three guests: 99-year-old WWII veteran Mr Harold “Charlie” Slater, and representatives from Papua New Guinea – a first at the Kings Park service.

Gunfire Breakfast

With the smell of bacon and eggs wafting through the Gardens, the Governor ventured out to meet members of the armed forces, veterans and their families for the Gunfire Breakfast.

The Perth Rotary Club cooked up an excellent treat, served with large smiles and kinds words for all.

Parade

Whilst the numbers of veterans thin, the number of families marching in their place continues to grow.

Crowds lined the streets to watch our veterans, current serving and families of service personnel march. The Governor took the salute on the dais while others clapped on, sparing a moment of gratitude to those who sacrifice so much.

Commemorative Service

The ANZAC Day Commemorative Service returned to Perth Concert Hall with great fanfare. The solemn and moving tribute to our service personnel reflected heavily on the harsh truths of peace – that peace is maintained through strength.

“The 25th of April is a date etched in Australia’s history.  It is regarded by many as Australia’s most important national day. While the Gallipoli campaign was seen as a baptism of fire, it was also seen – at the time – as the birth of nationhood.

As ANZAC Day grew to be more than a reflection of bloody conflict, there was – and still is – a continued reminder that wars and conflicts have more casualties than those who fought. It includes the innocent victims on all sides – the families, the children and the lost opportunity to live a peaceful life.

Of ANZAC Day, noted wartime Prime Minister, John Curtin, once opined that the day was not an observance of “sacrifice to the god of war, but to the fairer god of peace” and that the reason veterans came together was “of memories of pals who died.”

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