Anzac Day 2021

Today we commemorate the ANZACs who took the fight to the enemy in the Great War and who fought bravely and died for our freedoms.

We also honour the generations of courage, sacrifice, and self-service of the Australian servicemen and women who embody the ANZAC spirit.

The Assistant Minister for Defence, Andrew Hastie said on Anzac Day he would reflect on the legacy of those who have served our nation and on his own service, as we look to the challenges of the future.

“Anzac Day is an important day of reflection for our nation. We reflect on the sacrifices of those who served bravely in Gallipoli: their service, their sacrifice, their values, and their mateship, all upon which we built a national identity,” Assistant Minister Hastie said.

“Today it is important to reflect on our national identity and how we can continue to preserve our values, as we honour the ANZACs whose sacrifice built it. I believe we need to continue holding sacrifice as a key value in Australian culture. 

“We must look to the strategic challenges ahead and stand ready, if the call comes. As our forebears have shown us, eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.

“Since coming to this role, I have spoken to the members of our Australian Defence Force about the challenges that lie ahead – from cadets, to submariners, pilots, and those in the Special Forces - they have continually impressed me with their resolve and their focus on the task ahead.

“We have great capabilities in this country and we should be very proud of them. Our ADF honours the spirit of the ANZACs every day, and we will continue to make it stronger for the challenges ahead. 

“On behalf of all Australians I acknowledge and remember the ANZACs, I also acknowledge the men and women who have served and those who continue to serve our country everyday.”

Today, all Australians should pause to reflect on the contributions made by the members of our ADF who have displayed great courage, discipline and self-sacrifice in choosing a life of service to their country. 

“Lest we forget.” 

Media note:
Media can access imagery of various Anzac Day services at: 
Stills: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20210725
Video: https://innovatehub.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/mediahub/EuJMQtA6_3NEjSs7N0rLZwIBVKAtPXIANHk2Cmp9jt8Gng?e=YMP2F4
Articles: https://news.defence.gov.au/topic/anzac-day

More information about Anzac Day can be found at:
https://www1.defence.gov.au/events/anzac-day