The Centenary of ANZAC 2014-2018 represents one of the most significant occasions for our nation and a time for all Tasmanians to pause and remember the sacrifice of our service men and women and their families.
2017 marks the 102nd anniversary of the start of the Gallipoli campaign and the birth of the ANZAC legend – the creation of a nation that values mateship, bravery and sacrifice.
2017 also marks the 100th anniversary of the battles of Bersheba, Bullecourt, Polygon Wood and the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea, El Alamein, the bombing of Darwin and the fall of Singapore.
420,000 Australians enlisted in World War 1, including 15,484 from Tasmania of whom 2432 were killed. A further 40,000 Australians were killed on active service in World War 2 and other conflicts in Korea, Malaya, Vietnam and the Middle East.
The Tasmanian Government has recognised the importance of the Centenary of ANZAC with a special grants program providing a pool of $50,000 each year for four years to help RSLs and other projects commemorating the ANZAC spirit.
However, today is a chance to pay our respects to all those who have served and continue to serve in numerous conflicts around the world to protect our freedoms, and to thank the RSL State Branch of Tasmania and all of its sub-branches for co-ordinating today’s services and marches.
The ANZAC spirit of mateship lives on proudly in Tasmania – Lest We Forget.
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