THE HON ANDREW HASTIE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CANNING

STATEMENT
REMEMBRANCE DAY 2024

Monday 11 November 2024

Today marks Remembrance Day. We will pause at the 11th hour to remember those who served Australia in the First World War.

That war seared our young nation. We were a people of less than 5 million—far from the strife of Europe—yet we did not shrink from our obligation to defend our friends from military aggression.

More than 416,809 Australian men enlisted.  Over 60,000 were killed while another 156,000 were wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner.

Cities and small towns across Australia bore the brutal cost of that war. A whole generation of talented men were lost to us.

Thousands of memorials and cenotaphs were erected by grieving communities across Australia to remind us of their legacy. It was one of service, duty and sacrifice.

Other Australians have since followed in their footsteps from the Second World War to Afghanistan.

Many have fallen fighting under our flag. More than 103,000 Australian men and women have given their lives serving our nation over the past century.

Through their valorous deeds, Australia is a free nation today. Our act of remembrance keeps faith with their service and sacrifice.

Lest we forget. For if we do, we deserve no part in the peace they have won for us.

[ENDS]