ANZAC Day 2012
23-April-2012
Thousands of people across Parkes Electorate will join together on April 25 to pay silent tribute to all Australians who have served, fought and died in defence of our nation and our values.
Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton encouraged all local residents to participate in ceremonies to mark the 97th anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops in Gallipoli.
“April 25 1915, in many respects, marks the coming of age of our nation”, Mr Coulton said.
“In the cool light of a foreign dawn, thousands of brave young men stormed the beaches of Turkey in defence of God, King and Country. Sadly, for too many, they did not live to see the light of day. The tragedy that was to become the doomed Gallipoli landing had begun.”
“Over the nine month-long campaign, 8,141 Australians were killed in action out of a total of more than 26,000 casualties. Many who survived Gallipoli were then sent to fight on the Western Front where a further 45,843 Australians lost their lives.”
“By the Armistice on 11 November 1918, 64,000 Australians were killed in action and almost a quarter of a million young men wounded in action.”
“No community in Australia was left untouched by the war. After the war, towns across Australia vowed never to forget the service and sacrifice of the young men of their towns and districts proudly erecting memorials to honour those who came home and, more importantly, those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
“Today, these memorials are the location for community commemoration, reflection and remembrance for all those who fought and died in defence of Australia.”
Mr Coulton said he will be participating in local commemorative services in Warren and Nyngan on ANZAC Day.
“I encourage all local residents to support veterans and buy an ANZAC badge and wear it proudly on ANZAC Day in honour of those who served, and continue to serve, our great nation.”