This article appeared in today's Courier Mail (22/04/2021)
Commemorations
COMMEMORATING ANZAC DAY 2021
FOR what they have done this we will do — the simple reason all Australians must ensure the legacy of commemoration continues this Anzac Day. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said Anzac Day was the most sacred day of commemoration on the Australian...
Easter Reflections – This too will pass – the Sun is always shining!
This is the text of the Easter Sunday homily delivered by Padre Gary Stone to the Runaway Bay Catholic community on 3 Apr 2021. I would imagine if you were coming into an Easter service never having been to church before, you might be a little overwhelmed by now. ...
Easter Reflections from Padre Gary Stone
When I started to write this reflection things were looking pretty grim in the veteran community and on top of that it was raining cats and dogs, and our lives continued to be affected by Covid. With the angst that has come with the Brereton review, lengthy delays...
Commemorating Australia’s Service in the Gulf War
TOMORROW we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the United States-led coalition declaring victory in ‘Operation Desert Storm’, marking the official end of the First Gulf War, and we honour the sacrifices of those who served to liberate Kuwait. Minister for Veterans’...
Remembrance Day: Time to wake up – Lessons never to be ignored
Remembrance Day is a proper and noble occasion to honour our fallen. However, there is an expectation future generation will also be prepared to defend our way of life from any threat, big or small. The most effective way to prevent war is to be ready for it, and we...
Reflecting on Indigenous Military Service this NAIDOC Week
DURING NAIDOC Week, held from 8–15 November, we should all pause and remember the legacy and valuable contribution of Australia’s First Nations’ service men and women. NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait...
Virtual Event to Remember Australian soldiers at 11am Tuesday, 10 November
Monash University is hosting a ‘Virtual event’ aimed at Remembering our Australian Soldiers entitled Returning Home: The Traumatised Male Soldier from Federation to the First World War and Beyond You are invited to join in. Returning Home: The Traumatised Male...
Military Poem – A Thousand Men Walking
Joshua Dyer (aged 14) was tasked at school to write a poem for Remembrance Day 2019. An hour later (without any help) he produced this. ONE THOUSAND MEN ARE WALKING One thousand men are walking Walking side by side Singing songs from home The spirit as their guide...
Australia’s Second World War Defenders Remembered
TOMORROW our nation marks Battle for Australia Day — a time to acknowledge those who served in campaigns to the north of Australia and on the home front in protecting our nation. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said that between 1942 and 1945 the threat...