Karlene Willcocks, Executive Director
What ANZAC Day means to me:
Firstly, may I say how very honoured to be writing this message on behalf of everyone at CKW.
Anzac Day is a very special day on the Australian and New Zealand calendar, where we celebrate the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and a very important day for me as well.
It is a day to reflect, and remember, with pride and gratitude, the Anzacs and the Anzac spirit that was first forged at Gallipoli 109 years ago.
We pay tribute to all those who have served and, in particular, those who have made the supreme sacrifice in all wars, up to and including Afghanistan.
Successive generations have continued to gather on Anzac Day and commemorate those who died fighting for their country. Today communities will hold ceremonies and services at memorials, halls, churches and cemeteries throughout Australia and New Zealand.
We honour those who fought at Gallipoli and we remember the sacrifices made by all who have served in times of conflict and war. With the passing years it is important to recognise the veterans still among us. Through them we have a direct link back in time to events that have
shaped our identity as a nation.
As we pay tribute to the efforts of past generations in previous wars, our thoughts are with past and current members of our armed services, including our CKW staff and their families who have served and continue to serve.
On this Anzac Day, Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women are serving in a number of locations overseas working to bring other nations the peace and freedom that we enjoy.
For me, I personally value ANZAC day as a time to reflect on family and friends who have served and continue to serve, and front of mind are those who have lost their lives to protect our freedom.
To do this, I attended the dawn service and took time to reflect. I encourage you all to find a way to reflect on the impacts of service, war and protection on your life also.
Please join us in remembrance, as we come together and take a moment in time to pause in our busy lives, to observe the minute of silence, and to remember the service and sacrifices.
LEST WE FORGET.
For all of you who have served your country or have family and loved ones who have served, we thank you for your service. We acknowledge your ANZAC spirit.
Kind regards,
Karlene.
