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CDF
ACM Angus Houston salutes the Stone of Remembrance at
the Australian War Memorial on Remembrance Day, November
11, 2005.
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Photo
by AB Neil Richards
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BENEATH
a cloudless Canberra sky, the memory of those Australians who
lost their lives in the service of their country was solemnly
honoured at the Australian War Memorial’s cenotaph.
In CDF Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston’s address to the
gathered crowd, he spoke of the significance of 2005 to Australians.
“In April, our nation came together, young and old, to
mark the 90th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings,” he
said.
“In August we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Victory
in the Pacific and the end of World War II with commemorative
events all over the country.
Last month we marked the end of an era when we farewelled Lieutenant
William Allan, a naval officer who was the last Australian to
see active service in World War I.”
The CDF also spoke of the tragic loss of life the ADF has suffered
this year.
“Sadly, we have lost 11 men and women of the ADF while
they were deployed on operations,” he said.
Accompanying the Royal Guard of Honour from Australia’s
Federation Guard and the Band of the Royal Military College
Duntroon were the gathered voices of the Australian Rugby Choir.
Their rendition of the Australian National Anthem was a stirring
performance, which reminded the crowd of the many voices that
went to war but never returned home.
