Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has joined veterans, community groups, church leaders, schoolchildren and local residents at the Traralgon Remembrance Day service to honour those who have served Australia in war, conflict and peacekeeping operations.
Mr Chester said the service, hosted by the Traralgon RSL, was an important opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by generations of Australians and the freedoms enjoyed today.
“There was a particularly moving moment when retired Colonel Doug Caulfield acknowledged his granddaughter Stevie as she placed a wreath alongside her fellow St Gabriel’s Primary School captains,” Mr Chester said.
“It was a simple but powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by previous generations so that children they would never meet could grow up enjoying the freedoms we share today.
“Remembrance Day is not about glorifying war or conflict; quite the opposite.
“It is an opportunity to pay our respects to the 103,000 Australians who have lost their lives while wearing our nation’s uniform in conflicts and peacekeeping missions.
“We also remember those who returned home carrying physical or mental injuries, the families who supported them, and the Australian Defence Force personnel who continue to serve our country today.”
Mr Chester said Gippsland had a long and proud connection with Australia’s Defence Force.
“Our region has made an enormous contribution to Australia’s military history over more than a century,” Mr Chester said.
“Sir Stanley Savige was born in Morwell and, following the First World War, helped establish Legacy to support the families of those who had served and died.
“Sir John Monash was one of Australia’s most significant military commanders during the First World War and later played a major role in the establishment of the State Electricity Commission and Victoria’s energy generation system in the Latrobe Valley.
“Corporal Harry Thorpe, born at the Lake Tyers Mission and enlisted at Sale, served with gallantry on the Western Front before his death in 1918 and remains one of Australia’s most highly decorated Indigenous soldiers.”
Mr Chester said Gippsland’s Defence connection continued through the region’s wartime aviation history and the ongoing presence of RAAF Base East Sale.
“RAAF Base East Sale provides an enduring link between Gippsland and the Australian Defence Force, while the Mallacoota Bunker Museum preserves another important part of our region’s wartime history,” Mr Chester said.
“It was encouraging to see such a strong turnout in Traralgon, particularly so many young people, continuing the tradition of remembering those who served and sacrificed.”
Pictured: Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, St Gabriel’s Primary School Captain Stevie Caulfield and retired Colonel Doug Caulfield.
