ON Sunday April 25 the Myall Coast commemorated the ANZACs who took the fight to the enemy in the Great War and who fought bravely and died for our freedoms.

The day also honours the courage, sacrifice, and self-service of the Australian servicemen and women who embody the ANZAC spirit.

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington laid wreaths at the Karuah, Seaham and Raymond Terrace ANZAC Day services.

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“As time grows since the original ANZAC conflicts, so too does the significance of ANZAC Day to our community.

“The large number of people participating at public services or at home on their driveways demonstrates the importance our community places on remembering the fallen and showing gratitude to all service personnel,” Ms Washington said.

“I thank all of Port Stephens’ RSL Sub Branches, especially in circumstances where it wasn’t possible to host their usual services.

“It’s thanks to their efforts that the connection between past conflicts and those who fought continues today, reminding us of the sacrifice of many to allow the freedoms we all enjoy,” she said.

The Assistant Minister for Defence, Andrew Hastie said on Anzac Day he reflected 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.

“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.”

Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, AO, DSC, said the sailors, soldiers and aviators of the ADF have much to be proud of.

“Every day I see our people humbly carry out their duty with excellence and initiative, and display great mateship. This is the essence of the Anzac Spirit,” General Campbell said.

“We remember and honour those who went before us from the Gallipoli landing in 1915 through to the campaigns and operations of today.”

There are currently approximately 2500 ADF personnel deployed on operations and activities, both abroad and domestically, including ADF personnel assisting with disaster relief efforts or supporting the Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We also remember and thank the families and communities who love, trust and enable our people to remain resolute in service—this too is part of the Anzac Spirit,” General Campbell said.

“Lest we forget.”