30 April 2024
Sailors, soldiers and aviators joined a lineup of iconic Australian entertainers and the veteran community for a concert in Sydney on Anzac Day.
Hosted by the Australian Remembrance Foundation and supported by RSL Australia and Legacy, the ‘Lest We Forget Anzac Day 2024 Tribute Concert’ commemorated the fallen while honouring Australia’s serving Defence personnel.
Now in its fourth year, the service was introduced by General (retd) Sir Peter Cosgrove, Australian Remembrance Foundation patron, before an audience of more than 500 people at Sydney Town Hall.
A highlight of the service included a triservice honour guard comprising HMAS Kuttabul and HMAS Penguin sailors; 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment, soldiers; 4th/3rd Battalion, Royal New South Wales Regiment, soldiers; and 22 Squadron and Air Mobility Group aviators.
Special tributes to the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion, Australia’s first all-Indigenous unit formed during World War 2, were delivered by Sergeant Clayford Lui and Private Lettrell Uta, who travelled from the Torres Strait to commemorate Anzac Day.
'Our ancestors protected Australia’s northernmost frontier during times of war, and I feel honoured to continue their legacy.'
Looking back on more than 20 years of service in the Australian Army, Sergeant Lui reflected on the connection between veterans and his generation of soldiers in 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment.
“Every single soldier in Sarpeye (Charlie) Company, based on Thursday Island, is a decendent of someone who served in the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion,” Sergeant Lui said.
“Our ancestors protected Australia’s northernmost frontier during times of war, and I feel honoured to continue their legacy and represent their service on Anzac Day this year.
“Attending an Anzac Day ceremony in Sydney representing First Nations people and my community from the Torres Strait Islands gives me a lot of pride. This is something I’ll hold with me for the rest of my life.”
Defence personnel also took to the stage throughout the service including vocalists Lieutenants Claire Ham and Gordon Hutcheon from HMAS Penguin, a piano recital by Major Jason Li from Headquarters Forces Command, and a digeridoo performance from Sergeant Lachlan Youll of 2nd (Australian) Division.
Flight Seargeant Nathan King, Australia’s co-captain at the 2023 Invictus Games in Germany, delivered a moving tribute to past servicemen and women and the spirit of mateship experienced within Team Australia at the Invictus Games.
Broadcast around Australia live on the Seven Network, the event was hosted by Major Mark Beretta, who also delivered tributes to two World War 2 veterans: Valerie Ireland and Vincent Ball.
Musical performances from Vietnam veteran Normie Rowe and Anthony ‘Blue Wiggle’ Field – a former 5th/7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, infantry soldier – were also joined by Little Pattie, Christine Anu, Neil Pigot and Mark Vincent.
Concluding the service, the band from 4th/3rd Battalion, the Royal New South Wales Regiment, presented a procession of the drums and the book of remembrance at the centre of the stage, forming a ceremonial memorial to honour the fallen.
