20 April 2015
Member for Murray Plains and Leader of the Nationals Peter Walsh has encouraged residents
to attend ANZAC Day services across the Murray Plains Electorate.
“ANZAC Day is of special significance for Australians but is particularly more poignant this
year because it marks the ANZAC Centenary: 100 years since Australia’s involvement in World
War 1.
“The landing at Gallipoli was our first major contribution to the world as a nation – Australia was
only 14 years old “ Mr Walsh said.
A century ago men and women from all over Australia were called upon to leave behind their
family and friends and cross the sea to serve their country.
Mr Walsh said that from a population of less than five million more than 400 000 enlisted.
“Of these young men and women more than 60 000 who made the ultimate sacrifice and more
than 156 000 were wounded gassed or taken prisoner “ he said.
ANZAC Day is not a day not to glorify war but to remember those who have served our country
during times of conflict and crisis and to reflect on their selfless sacrifice to ensure our freedom.
“It is heartening though to see increasing numbers of people especially our younger generations
attending ANZAC services paying tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we
can enjoy the freedom and lifestyle we do “ he said.
Mr Walsh will attend services at Serpentine on Friday Swan Hill Cohuna and Koondrook on Saturday and Kyabram on Sunday.