Last Monday marked the 106th anniversary of the armistice in 1918. On the 11th of November each year, we come together as a nation to remember and honour more than 103,000 names that remain imprinted on both the bronze panels in the Australian war memorial, and on the hearts of their loved ones. Known as the ultimate sacrifice, many young men and women were sent out to fight - for our country, for our communities, for our families, and ultimately, for our freedom. Though the years go by, let us never forget the imprint they’ve had on our lives, and let us be grateful that we now get to live a life that some veterans never got to live. Lest We Forget.
“It’s going to be young people who will be the ones to continue to tell these stories,” said Mr. Mike Goodwin OAM.
As the years go by and new generations arise, the call to remembrance has never been so urgent. Each year, veterans young and old, gather with fellow survivors of the war, each tarnished with memories of serving either in the field, in the Air Force or on a ship. Most under the age of eighteen, they were sent out to defend our country, entering with fear and the uncertainty of their return.
More than 416,000 Australians volunteered for service in World War I. 324,000 served overseas, more than 60,000 Australians died, 4,000 became POWs and more than 100,000 were wounded.
As veterans, families and community representatives gathered at Jubilee Park Cenotaph last Monday, honourable men and women adorned themselves in badges, suits and red poppies on the 11th of the 11th, in remembrance of the day in 1918, where World War I ceased.
To fully grasp the relief and joy of knowing that the battle was over, mixed with feelings of overwhelming grief for their mates that didn’t make it out alive is something that, we - as civilians will never be able to comprehend.
Image the heavy guns…falling and hitting the ground, the skies no longer filled with smoke and debris, the sound of birds chirping, and the thought of coming home to their families. Though most were injured physically, the shockwaves of the emotional scarring remained for years to come.
As the years go by, and the last of the World War veterans grow old, their greatest wish is to share their stories with the upcoming generations in fear of their sacrifice being forgotten.
Mr. Mike Goodwin OAM is a history teacher, and was honoured to be a guest speaker at this year’s Remembrance Day ceremony. He reflected on the importance of educating the next generation.
“I’d like to take a few moments, if I could, to talk about using the positive ideals of the ANZAC legacy to celebrate our future, because as we know, our future is with young people.
“When I talk about the future, of course, I’m talking about young people and the role they play in our ANZAC legacy.”
Mr. Goodwin then shared a memorable experience from a school trip to Anzac Cove and the “beautiful” Ari Burnu Cemetery, where he aimed to bring the history of the ANZACs to life for his students.
“They were so connected,” he said.
“They didn’t want to leave.
“Just as we were about to leave, I noticed there was one student sitting at a grave…so I went over to get her, and I'll never forget the next few moments…
“She looked up at me, her eyes were full of tears and there were tears rolling down her cheeks, and she looked into my eyes and she just shook her head.
“And she said, ‘Sir’, And she looked back at the grave, she looked back up at me, she said, ‘Sir…he died on my birthday,’ she said, ‘now I'm going to have to live two lives.’
The audience was moved by the many touching anecdotes shared by Mr Goodwin.
Through continuously teaching the next generation, Mr Goodwin along with the RSL hopes to prolong the vitality of remembering those who laid down their life for our country.
Attending his first Remembrance Day Service, was the region’s newly appointed Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton MP, who said the day was a “very emotional moment” for him.
“It’s a very emotional time, and there are no words of thanks that you can ever give to a youngster going off and fighting for our freedom… but I think the legacy we have here in Mackay is just wonderful.”
A Mackay Tiger Moth Museum flew past around 11:11am.
As the years pass, may we never forget the impact they’ve made on our lives, and remain grateful for the life we enjoy - one that some veterans never had the chance to experience.
Lest We Forget
Veterans,their families and distinguished guests gathered at the Jubilee Park Cenotaphon the 11th of the 11th to remember the fallen andcommemorate those still standing. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Mayor of Mackay Greg Williamson, CEO Scott Owen, Deputy Mayor Karen May, and Councillor Heath Patton
Mayor Greg Williamson
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton MP and Mr Andrew Willcox MP Federal Member for Dawson
Student Musicians Kayla Lovern on the violin from Mackay State High School and Billy Hancroft on the trumpet from North View State School.
Mackay RSL Sub-Branch President and Vietnam Veteran, Ken Higgins
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton MP
Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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