2015 ANZAC Day Speech (Ashley Hawthorn Year 12)

This speech was written for the ANZAC Day Dawn Service held in Lawson by Ashley Hawthorn from Year 12. She addressed the attendees as a Cadet from the 323 Squadron in Glenbrook. Good Morning Servicemen and Women, Both Serving and Ex, Special Guests, Fellow Cadets, Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls. My name is Cadet Flight Sergeant Ashley Hawthorn and I am a Cadet from 323 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets based at RAAF BASE Glenbrook and a resident of Lawson. Today we’re here to commemorate 100 years since the ANZAC’s landed at Gallipoli. 100 years since our fathers, sons and brothers were sent out to fight for the commonwealth, and our mothers, wives and sisters followed to support them as nursing staff. Between 2014 and 2018 Australia will be commemorating the ANZAC Centenary, making it 100 years since our nation’s involvement in the First World War. It is a milestone of special significance to all Australians, as the First World War had helped define us as people and as a nation. During this centenary, we will remember not only the original ANZACs who served at Gallipoli and the Western Front, but we’re here to commemorate more than a century of service by Australian servicemen and women. Some didn’t make it to the shore; some made it to the shore, but no further. Some made it to the hills, only to fall there. Those that survived endured, as only those who have been to war can understand. The light of peace that surrounds us now is a result of the efforts of those who answered the call. It is easy on our sun soaked shores to enjoy the Australian lifestyle and the security that comes with it. We live in a democratic society and we are fortunate to do so, as others around the world do not enjoy the freedoms of expression or action as we do here. Australia is doing its part in maintaining a free and democratic lifestyle in countries outside our own borders, consequently at this moment, our men and women in uniforms, of the Royal Australian Army, Navy and Air Force are currently on deployment in various locations around the globe doing their bit to ensure peace. The majority of us here will not be called upon to express our love for our country in such a sacrificial way as those before us have done, but I believe that the challenge of our armed forces and particularly those that have gone before us and paid the supreme sacrifice, is that we all should display our love for our country in practical and tangible ways; that we all love each other in spite of all our differences. Our freedom has been brought with a great price, sometimes though; this freedom comes at a cost; of injury, both physical and mental, and the loss of mates and friends both human and animal, by enemy action, roadside bomb, or from wounds or illness. And so on this day, we are a grateful nation, saying thank you, to those that have paid the great price and to those who continue to place themselves in danger for us and for our nation. So on this day, at this time, at this place, we will remember them. Thank you.