Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has called on Australians to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who served their nation during the annual Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial.
Speaking on Monday, PM Albanese began by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land and paying his respects to Elders past, present and emerging. He also recognised visiting dignitaries, parliamentary colleagues, senior defence officials, and representatives from the Returned and Services League and the Australian War Memorial.
“The simplest of phrases carries the deepest meaning: Lest we forget,” the Prime Minister said, describing the words as a heartbeat echoing through cemeteries, battlegrounds, memorials and photographs around the world.
Highlighting the enduring link between the War Memorial and Parliament House, PM Albanese said the spirit of democracy in Australia is rooted in the courage of generations of Australians who have served their country.
“They have served with courage. With character. With humanity.”
He reflected on the words of former Prime Ministers John Curtin and Ben Chifley, recalling Curtin’s call during the Second World War to fight for “a peace worth the winning” and Chifley’s tribute to those who “fought the darkness – but not lived to see the light.”
Joining Prime Minister Albanese at the Last Post Ceremony, Opposition Leader Ley reflected on the significance of the occasion at the start of a new parliamentary term.
She highlighted the connection between Parliament and the Australian War Memorial, saying: “This place reminds us of the true cost of war. There’s a reason Parliament and the Cabinet room were built in the direct line of sight to the seat of our national soul – so that we in Parliament may never forget the sacrifices of those who answered the call to serve.”
“They served so that we may live and work in this great country free from tyranny. We thank them. We remember them. Lest we forget.”
The Prime Minister emphasised that while nothing can fully repay the debt owed to those who served, Australians honour their legacy through remembrance.
“Together, we tend memory like a flame, ensuring its glow can be passed into the hands – and hearts – of generations to come,” he said, concluding with the timeless reminder: “Lest we forget.”
The Last Post Ceremony, held annually at the Australian War Memorial, marks a solemn occasion for Australians to honour the service and sacrifice of military personnel past and present.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
