THE ANZACs defined Australia as a nation and should be cherished according to former Defence Force chief and Richmond resident Sir Angus Houston.
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Sir Angus lived in Richmond from 1993-1995 when he commanded 86 Wing at the Richmond RAAF Base.
Sir Angus told The Gazette at a dinner last month that the Anzac spirit and story should be remembered by Australians forever.
“We must always remember them and we must always keep telling stories about them,” he said.
“They defined our nation, they defined who we are and what we are and what we stand for.”
Sir Angus, as the former head of Australia’s armed forces, said Anzac Day had always been a special time of year for himself.
“Anzac Day is incredibly important because we owe those that volunteered, went off into the unknown, the most horrific fighting conditions that any Australians have ever gone into,” he said.
Sir Angus said any former or current Defence Force member deserved praise for the sacrifices they made to defend Australia.
“The guys who went off to fly with Bomber Command were absolutely amazing. the guys who fought on the Kokoda Track, the Rats of Tobruk. They represent the best of who we are,” he said.
“Treat them with great respect, because they deserve to be spoken to with respect,” he said.
“We have come a long way, we respect them a lot in a way that wasn't evident in the 50s and 60s, particularly the 60s.”
