The Centenary of ANZAC represents one of the most significant occasions for our nation.
It is a chance to come together to recognise the service and sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand troops who landed on the shores of Gallipoli 100 years ago.
We commemorate a catastrophic campaign, and we remember and honour the brave men and women who served our nation. It is an event considered a defining chapter in our country’s story, and our national identity.
My father’s great uncle’s son, Private Harry Hodgman, was among them. A 22 year old, from Brighton, he enlisted in October and landed at Gallipoli on the 25th of April 1915, where he was killed almost immediately.
He was one of 61,000 Australians who died in World War One, one of more than 15,000 Tasmanians who enlisted, and one of the 2,432 who never came home.
Tomorrow, like every ANZAC Day, we will remember and pay gratitude to the Australians who have served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
But on this most extraordinary day, the 100th Anniversary, we will especially remember the first ANZACs at Anzac Cove on April 25, 1915.
Tonight and tomorrow, I will think about what my ancestor, young Harry, half my age – must have been feeling. I will honour him, and those thousands for what they did; their bravery, their sacrifice, their service to our country.
I also thank them from the bottom of my heart for what they have done to give meaning and value to the sense of our national identity.
Lest we forget.