Good morning,

I too, acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land and recognise their elders past, present, and emerging.

Your Excellencies, Acting Prime Minister, distinguished guests, and particularly the family and friends of Richard.

When Richard chose to run forward into heavy enemy fire, he did not do so with a desire for glory or heroism. He did so because he saw two of his mates, isolated and wounded.

Richard showed a complete disregard for his own safety when he moved towards his section leader, Corporal Ian Dawson. Even when he ran out of ammunition, he pushed forward using an enemy weapon and dragging the wounded Corporal Dawson to safety.

Despite receiving wounds during his rescue of Corporal Dawson, Richard would advance twice more under intensive fire to ensure the recovery of the body of Private Christopher Nisbet, the forward scout.

While Richard is not here with us today, we remember his courage. His dedication. His selflessness. His choice to risk his own life to save an injured man, and ensure a fallen soldier could be returned home to his loved ones.

Those of us in the ADF today did not know Richard, but what we do recognise are his values and the way he acted on them. Service to our nation and its people, ahead of oneself; Courage in the face of adversity; Respect for each other; Integrity to do what is right; and to strive for Excellence in what he did.

These Values are the foundation of the Australian Defence Force, underpinning our ability to achieve our mission today.

Richard’s story now forms a part of the grand tapestry of the Victoria Cross for Australia. He joins a prestigious few, who in the face of the enemy showed extreme daring, devotion to duty, self-sacrifice and valour. A legacy of selflessness and mateship.

The gallantry of Private Richard Norden VC will continue to be an inspiration to all current, and future, members of the Australian Defence Force – to be the best that each of us can.

He, along with the countless men and women who have served and sacrificed for their nation remind us ‘there are no great [people], there are only great challenges, which ordinary [people] … are forced by circumstances to meet.’1

We thank him for his service and we will not forget.

Thank you.