Anzac Day 2016: What does Anzac Day mean to you?

“When you march and you’re marching with people you’ve served with, there’s a special part of being part of that group. You belong with them. You think, especially when you get to the War Memorial and you do the eyes left, eyes right, the old eyes get a bit bleary.”

"Anzac Day is in honour of those who really did more than I did but didn't come home, while I did."

Arthur Flower, 93, of Caringbah, served as an engineer in the RAAF Air Ambulance Unit, bringing wounded diggers out of the jungles of Borneo.

"We should honour the sacrifice of the men and women who went to war. I think we should be very humble in remembering what the Australian soldiers did." 

Bargo's Tom Johnston, member of the Picton-Thirlmere-Bargo RSL sub-branch was first posted to the HMAS Sydney as part of the fifth Royal Australian Regiment which transported troops to Vietnam. Mr Johnston was sent to the United Kingdom in November 1966 to serve on two submarines in the Five Australian Oberon Class as an engineering mechanic.

Bargo's Laurie Johnston, member of the Picton-Thirlmere-Bargo RSL sub-branch served in Bendigo for the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps as a draftsperson between 1965 and 1968.

“Last year up to 5000 people attended the opening of the War Memorial in Parc Menai. 

“The Menai Choir sang then and we have rehearsed for some weeks now and will share our harmonised renditions of the New Zealand and Australian national anthems again this year.

“As Waltzing Matilda would have been sung by many diggers during their time of duty and thoughts of home it is appropriate we perpetuate their memory with our national song also.”

"It just becomes more and more important every year. When you start reflecting and realising what men and women do go through, still -- I have entertained our troops overseas so I value the sacrifice. 

“Many of them come back unharmed, which is fantastic, but they still spend so much time away from family and friends. 

“We can't forget how they sacrifice their time with loved ones to help us.

“I do value what they do and the more you know, the more you realise that it's a tough job, it's a really tough job."

"Obviously there's a lot of significance with the Anzacs, the combination of our two countries and Army Corps fighting.

"I've played in a few games against Melbourne on Anzac Day in Melbourne and those have been great occasions, to honour the sacrifices of those men and women that have fought for your country.

"It's a good way to pay respect to those people and I'm looking forward to being a part of this club's Anzac Day against the Roosters.

"I know from being at the club that there's a lot of significance and it's a big rivalry. I'm excited to be a part of it, I can't wait.

"I'm excited to be part of a great occasion and something that honours our servicemen and women."

“It’s hard to describe the emotions I experience when attending an Anzac Day Dawn Service, or for that matter, any Anzac Day Service. The Dawn Service is particularly moving, there’s just something about that  time of the day with the sun rising – the emotions are tangible and I am always moved beyond words.

“For me, Anzac Day defines how Australian’s act in adversity and how we pull together and act as a committed nation. It is right that we commemorate the extraordinary effort, courage and endurance of those who served our country and to remember that peace  should never be taken for grant.”

“ANZAC Day in Liverpool is always a very special occasion Liverpool has a proud ANZAC tradition that goes back to the establishment of Holsworthy Barracks in 1913.

“The 12th Light Horse Regiment was raised in Liverpool and they fought at Gallipoli and in the famous charge at Beersheba.

“I am also proud of the fact that the first Australian to be awarded a Victoria Cross in World War 2 was Corporal John Edmondson, who grew up in Liverpool. John died after saving the life of his friend and commanding officer at the siege of Tobruk in 1941 and his actions helped to turn the tide of war against Nazi Germany.

“Last year we had the 100 year centenary of the Gallipoli landings, and this year is the centenary of the terrible battles on the Western Front in 1916.

“At the Battle of Fromelles in July 1916, more than 5,500 Australians were killed or wounded in a single night.

“We must remember terrible events like these so that they never happen again – that’s why I am encouraging all residents, young and old, to join the march to Bigge Park and remember the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country.”

“It gives the community a chance to pay their respects and honour the sacrifice made by so many soldiers who never came home. Anzac Day is the most important day of the year for our RSL club.”

“This day gives us all an opportunity to show our eternal gratitude for their service and for the freedoms that we enjoy every day. I encourage the St George community to take the time to pause and remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.”

“To me, ANZAC day is many things: a solemn reminder of the horrors of war, and a day to show our deep gratitude to all those who have served – and still serve – to defend our shores and the values we hold dear, particularly those who, in dying, have paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

“So it’s a really inspirational day too, because it reminds me that the Australian way of life, and the peace and freedom we enjoy, are fragile, but immensely precious and worth fighting for.  And that inspires me to serve my country better, to try to really live the ANZAC values of sacrifice, valour,and faithfulness, and to pass those values on to my own children.”

“ANZAC Day holds the significance of a tragic yet generationally impacting journey which began on the 25th April 1915. We all have a link to that day. It is our story.

“I am the granddaughter of WW1 diggers. My grandfather on my mother’s side, G Courtney, enlisted on 8 February 1915. The record notes that he was 18. He was actually only 15. He served in Gallipoli and in France.

“My grandfather on my father’s side served in France with his two brothers. I have had the privilege of visiting the Western Front Fromelles, Bullecourt, Villers-Bretonneux and Menin Gate and have seen firsthand the gratitude that the French people have, particularly for Australians. This reminds us of what the ANZAC spirit inspires and what our military men and women today desire above all else. That is not the glorification of war but the pursuit of peace and freedom for everyday people across the globe.”

“​Anzac Day is about saying thank you to all our current and returned defence force personnel for their service to our country. This year, we look to honour theAnzac tradition as we get ready to usher in the new phase of Kogarah RSL Club’s life in order to sustain its traditions long into the future.”