Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Nicholas Kotsiras, has encouraged all communities across Victoria to participate in this year’s Anzac Day commemorations.
Mr Kotsiras said that the 25th of April was a day for all Australians to honour the sacrifices of those who served and died in all conflicts and peace-keeping operations.
Though the Anzac legend has its origins in the Gallipoli campaign of 1915, Mr Kotsiras said this week that “the meaning of Anzac Day extends far beyond that.”
“On Anzac Day we commemorate the fallen, acknowledge the service of our veterans and cherish the freedoms secured on our behalf by so many in the many diverse theatres of war and peace-keeping missions since 1915.”
Mr Kotsiras said Anzac Day represented the freedom of each and every Australian and the upholding of our democratic principles and way of life.
“Australian men and women have fought and many have laid down their lives for us to enjoy freedoms others can only imagine,” said the minister
“I encourage all Victorians to pause and acknowledge the contribution of those who fought and died for the freedoms we enjoy.
“On Anzac Day, we measure ourselves against the sacrifice of others and renew our commitment to freedom and democracy.”
Meanwhile, Premier Ted Baillieu joined thousands of students from schools across Victoria this week at Melbourne Legacy’s 81st ANZAC Commemoration Ceremony for Students at The Shrine of Remembrance.
Mr Baillieu said the ANZAC spirit was about bravery and sacrifice.
“Australians barely out of their teens risked or gave their lives for the cause of freedom,” Mr Baillieu said.
“It’s important that each generation continues to acknowledge the service of our war veterans.
This year students from Melbourne High School and Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School formed the Honour Guard, Band, and Choir, and sang rousing versions of We Are Australian and Waltzing Matilda.
Attending with the Premier, Victorian Governor the Honourable Alex Chernov AC addressed the students before inspecting a guard of honour with Legacy President Bryce Phillips.
Melbourne Legacy was established in 1923 and currently cares for more than 14,000 widows and 600 dependants in Victoria.
