Anzac Day... by those who serve

They live among us, shopping, dining and travelling within our local community, their families play sport with yours.

What sets them apart is that each of them has answered the call to serve, and each in their own way.

Some stem from generations of military service, most have represented their country through overseas postings and domestic emergency situations.

Their language consists of terms like resilience, respect, camaraderie, teamwork, and security.

In 2023, as we mark 108 years since WWI when the Australian and New Zealand soldiers first landed on the beaches of Gallipoli at dawn (25 April, 1915) we asked our Williamtown-based serving RAAF personnel what Anzac Day means to them.

Williamtown — **Corporal (CPL) Renae Beeton, Personnel Capability Specialist, No. 3 Squadron.** Photo: Amber Sherwood

“To me Anzac Day means taking time to reflect on those who’ve taken the ultimate sacrifice and those currently serving in operations all over the world.” – Corporal Renae Beeton

Air Force — **Sergeant Tegan Bowden, Military Working Dog Handler, No. 26 Squadron**. Photo: Amber Sherwood

“Anzac day is a day for me to remember, respect and appreciate historical serving members from the Australian Defence Force and New Zealand Defence Force, and them paying the ultimate sacrifice, as well as all the military serving animals.” – Sergeant Tegan Bowden

**Flying Officer Coen Henry, Indigenous Liaison Officer, No. 26 Squadron**. Photo: Amber Sherwood

“Anzac Day signifies to me service, solidarity and sacrifice.” – Flying Officer Coen Henry

World War — **Flight Sergeant Luke Hamilton, Physical Training Instructor, No. 26 Squadron**. Photo: Amber Sherwood

“Mateship and remembering the fallen.” – Flight Sergeant Luke Hamilton

**Corporal Matthew Howard, Ground Support Equipment Technician, No. 26 Squadron**. Photo: Amber Sherwood

“A time to stop, pause, reflect, and commemorate all those serving members that have lost their lives – made the ultimate sacrifice.” – Corporal Matthew Howard

Defence Force — **Leading Aircraftswoman Olivia Kemmins, No. 3 Squadron**. Photo: Amber Sherwood

“For me Anzac Day is about reflecting on those who served before us and about the freedom that we have today. I particularly remember my grandfather, who served as a fighter pilot in World War Two.” – Leading Aircraftswoman Olivia Kemmins.

For more stories like this:

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

Anzac Day… by those who serve

SHARE

For more stories like this:

More Stories

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

You have Successfully Subscribed!