A local MP says it’s just as important to honour currently serving and recently returned Australian soldiers as it is to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings on April 25.
“It’s quite right and proper that we honour the sacrifices of those service personnel who helped forge our national identity,’’ says Russell Matheson, whose father served in Defence.
“This Anzac Day Australians should also spare a thought for our current serving personnel and recently returned veterans who have served on operational service overseas,’’ he says.
“It is equally important to commemorate the acts and deeds of those present at the Gallipoli landings as it is the ongoing work of the men and women who continue to serve and represent our nation abroad today.
“It is important to honour and support the current generation of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and veterans who have served on our behalf in what are often complex, challenging and extremely dangerous environments,” Mr Matheson said.
“In recognition and gratitude for the service of our current personnel I encourage residents of Macarthur to consider donating to ex-service organisations such as the RSL, Legacy and Soldier On. These excellent organisations provide phenomenal support to our ADF personnel, past and present, and their families.”
Donations can be made to Legacy (www.legacy.com.au) or Soldier On (www.soldieron.org.au) in support of those personnel who have been wounded on operations and those family members who are suffering financially and socially from the death of a loved one.
Messages of support can also be emailed to serving personnel at www.supportthetroops@defence.gov.au.
