We have assembled to remember all our ex-service personnel who have served Australia over the years, having been engaged in various conflicts in all parts of the world.

We especially think of all our service personnel who are on active service.

It is 99 years since the battle for Villers-Bretonneux. 

General George Grogan, British commander of the 23^rd Brigade, said it would be remembered as perhaps the greatest feat of the war – the successful counterattack by night across unknown and difficult ground, at a few hours’ notice, by the Australian soldier.

On April 24, 1918, the 8^th and 58^th British Divisions were driven back 9km, putting Paris within range of German artillery. It was critical this town be retaken.

At short notice the Australian Army was given the task. The 13^th, 14^th and 15^th Brigades were called upon. Throughout the night the battle raged. By dawn the town was surrounded by Australians; only part of the German garrison managed to escape.

Ten thousand German soldiers were overtaken by no more than 6000 Australians.

Also this year we must remember it is 75 years since the bombing of Darwin, the fall of Singapore and the attack on the Dureenbee, off the coast at Moruya by a Japanese submarine.

Some of the crew are buried here in Moruya.

We cannot forget all our prisoners of war (and) how they suffered at the hands of the Japanese and Germans.

We remember all our soldiers, sailors, airmen and women who have served, and also the merchant navy, in various locations throughout the world.

Australia is proud of all our service personnel who have served our country from the First Word War and those in other wars. We are also proud of those now serving overseas.

We, as a country, owe these personnel a great debt for their service.

We must not forget our returned service personnel and see that they are always looked after. Many have problems from what they have seen and had to endure.

We will remember them.

Lest we forget.