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LEADING Seaman Lateika Smith returned home for the commemorative ANZAC Day service to deliver a special speech about "recognising sacrifice, commitment and unselfish devotion".
"AS THE first ANZACs waded ashore at ANZAC cove 100 years ago today, none of them could have imagined the legacy they would create for their newly independent nation.
From the grinding hardships and terrible sacrifices of the Gallipoli campaign emerged a distinctly Australian identity, one which recognised the importance of sticking by your mates, overcoming great adversity and getting the job done.
These days we do not glorify war. All we ask is the simple recognition of the sacrifice, commitment and unselfish devotion by those men and women who served so valiantly for their country and what they believed in, so much so that many knowingly went to their deaths.
The Centenary of ANZAC provides us with the chance to deepen our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ contribution to both our past and present Military efforts. At the time of WW1, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people were legally excluded from serving in the armed forces, but that didn’t stop hundreds form lying about their identity so they could fight for their nation.
Therefore they too were prominent participants in World War 1 and the ANZAC centenary gives us the opportunity to highlight their service and sacrifice. In 1915 many volunteered to serve in the Australian Imperial Forces. They were respected and valued as part of the team and exemplified the ANZAC tradition.
Indigenous Australians served in all Light Horse regiments and all but 2 of the 60 infantry battalions. About 1/3 of those who served became causalities. In terms of distinguished service the Australian War Memorial is aware of 3 Distinguished Conduct Medals and about a dozen Military Medals awarded to Indigenous soldiers.
On return to Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander soldiers returned to the life they had left behind receiving no privileges or gratitude from the Government for their service.
All ANZACs indeed deserve the respect and remembrance of present and future generations of all Australians and New Zealanders, regardless of race, colour or creed.
For all Australians the ANZAC Centenary will be one of the most significant commemorations to take place during our lifetime.
It is a time for all Australians to contemplate the legacy of those who have gone before us over the last century and those who never returned to their family and friends.
So here we are today, 100 years on, honouring the thousands of great men and women and great tradition.
We gather as we shall always gather, not to glorify war, but to remind ourselves that we value who we are and the freedoms we possess, and to acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who contributed so much in shaping the identity of this proud nation and to also remember and acknowledge those who continue to serve.
I am a proud Indigenous woman who has been serving in the Royal Australian Navy for 10 and a half years.
I am also proud to say that I also have another 11 family members that are currently serving or have served this great nation. It is with great pride that we not only serve for Australia but also our community.
It is an honour to be able to serve this country and continue the ANZAC spirit."