As we gather at the Australian War Memorial ahead of the parliamentary year, we remember and honour the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women who served our nation.
In 2023, we commemorate two significant military anniversaries. Seventy years since the signing of the Armistice which ended the Korean War and fifty years since Australia concluded its involvement in the Vietnam War.
Korea ended in a stalemate. Vietnam in defeat. But decades on from the end of both conflicts, we see a different picture.
Satellite images of Korea at night show an illuminated south in contrast to a darkened north.
Vietnam and Australia share a close and deepening relationship and shared commitment to maintaining peace in our region.
The service and sacrifice of our forebears was not in vain. The values for which we stand are more enduring than any conflict.
As long as we have, like our forebears, the courage and commitment to defend them always.
Lest we forget.