A large crowd gathered on November 11 at Rooty Hill RSL Club to honour the fallen and to commemorate Remembrance Day.
Chifley Federal MP Ed Husic gave the Address on what was the 94th Anniversary of the Armistice in Europe marking the end of The Great War.
Reflecting on the courage and sacrifice of those who fought in war, Mr. Husic paid tribute to those who served in World War I and all who have served since in war and peace.
“Today we honour those who plumbed unimaginable depths of personal courage to confront the savagery of war — and who did so to honour their pledge of service for others; for those closest to their shoulder or those tens of thousands of kilometres away,” Mr. Husic said.
Mr. Husic spoke of the role that young people play in keeping the ANZAC spirit alive for future generations.
“Last week, I was proud to present to students at St. John Vianney’s Primary School in Doonside, the Anzac Day Award for NSW Schools from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs,” Mr. Husic said.
“The Award recognised their study of military campaigns and their efforts to establish memorial gardens in the School grounds.
“94 years after the Armistice was signed bringing an end to hostilities, we stop for one minute’s silence today to reflect on the loss and suffering caused by war and we wear a poppy as a symbol of remembrance and new life.”
Mr. Husic made special mention of the 39 young Australians who lost their lives serving in Afghanistan.
“We remember those who returned home and the families of those left behind.
We remember those who still live with the mental and physical scars of their service. And we remember those who are serving Australia today.”