Anzac Day 'Lest We Forget'
LEST WE FORGET
Today is a very special day in the history of our nation. We honour those who over many decades went to war so we could live the life we live now. Many paid the ultimate sacrifice with their own lifeđź’”
Please at some point today reflect for a moments silence in honour of our HEROES that fought for this country and the armed forces personnel that continue to keep us safe.
We have had many members (and still do) that have served in the armed forces...thankyou thankyou!
We are normally on patrol, lifesavers on the beach this day, but this year is very different due to covid-19.
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."
A message from SLSA
#ANZACDay is one of our most important national occasions and this year was to have taken on extra significance for our surf lifesaving community, with a special commemorative service planned to be held at Broadbeach as part of our 2020 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships on the morning of April 25, with competition not scheduled to begin until the afternoon.
The present circumstances and times we live in due to COVID-19 has prevented this service from taking place, as well as many of the traditional activities that our surf clubs host across the country to commemorate ANZAC Day. However, I am sure that our humanitarian spirit and approach to life, will see us find other ways to appropriately remember and commemorate.
As surf lifesavers, our job is to protect, to save and preserve lives and when the call has come over the years to serve and protect our country in war, surf lifesavers have volunteered by the thousands.
At this time of year I take the time to reflect and read through the “Those Who Served, Surf Lifesavers at War” written by Stan Vesper - the book lists over 8000 members of surf clubs who have served in wars over the years of which almost 700, lost their lives.
Their commitment and selfless contribution to our nation is both admirable and inspiring and so emblematic of surf lifesavers and the communities they serve(d).
On behalf of Surf Life Saving Australia I wish to thank and acknowledge all who have, or are presently serving our country and I would encourage all Members to take a moment on ANZAC day to remember the people who have dedicated themselves to the safekeeping of our country and way of life.
I, like thousands of other Australians will tomorrow morning at 6am be taking a moment to remember those who served and sacrificed.