Anzac Day 2018 marks 103 years since our ANZACs first landed on the beaches at Gallipoli in the First World War.
This year also marks the final Anzac Day of the Anzac Centenary commemorations in which we remember the original Anzacs and what they fought for.
This year on Anzac Day we also commemorate the Centenary of the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux.
Throughout April of 1918 Australian and British forces fought tirelessly on the Western Front to recapture the town of Villers-Bretonneux, successfully doing so exactly 3 years after our diggers first stormed the beaches at Gallipoli. This ongoing battle was costly with more than a thousand lives lost during throughout the month.
This year we also commemorate the Centenary of the Battle of Hamel, Centenary of the Battle of Amiens and the Centenary of the First World War Armistice on 11 November.
On Anzac Day we remember all Australians who served and died in all conflicts, wars and operational service.
This year we also remember significant World War II anniversaries, in particular the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic and the 75th Anniversary of the Hellfire Pass and the Thai Burma Railway.
This year also marks 65 years since the Korean War Armistice in which more than 17,000 Australian Diggers served, with 340 killed and more than 1,200 wounded.
The 50th Anniversary of the Battles of Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral will also be remembered in May for their significance during the Vietnam War.
We reflect on these conflicts and are reminded of the impacts of war - the depth of our gratitude remains unchanged.
This morning I attended the dawn service held by the Bundamba ANZAC Observance Committee at the Bundamba Honour Stone, to pay respect to all of our men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The towns and suburbs throughout Ipswich, the Somerset Region and the Karana Downs region have their own story and connection to war, and today we honour and renew that personal connection.
We are reminded of the spirit of Anzac, with its qualities of courage, mateship, endurance and sacrifice, which continue to beat in the hearts of all Australians today.
Lest we forget.
